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Ever had this happen? You drink coffee before work, sit through back-to-back meetings with hardly a break, or finish lunch and rush off to meet a client, only to start feeling unsure whether your breath smells.
Bad breath during the day affects people of all ages, especially those who talk with others regularly. Although bad breath is not a serious illness in every case, it can affect your confidence at work and in social situations.
Many people reach for mints, breath sprays or chewing gum to freshen their breath. But did you know that some of these only help temporarily if the real cause is still inside the mouth?
Bad breath can be caused by food debris and bacteria that build up on the tongue and between the teeth, dry mouth, cavities or gum disease. In some cases it may be related to other health issues, such as throat inflammation or acid reflux.
The American Dental Association (ADA) states that bad breath is a common condition, and that proper oral care is an important way to reduce the factors that cause it.
So what causes bad breath during the day? Why do some people still have bad breath after brushing? And how should working adults care for their breath to stay confident all day?
What Is Bad Breath (Halitosis)?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition in which the breath has an unpleasant odor. It may be temporary or persistent.
Normally, many types of bacteria live naturally in the mouth. Some bacteria break down food debris and organic matter in the mouth and produce odorous compounds, such as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
These compounds are one of the main factors behind bad breath, especially when plaque, food debris or coating on the tongue builds up.
Bad breath can be simply divided into two types:
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Temporary bad breath: for example, after eating strong-smelling foods, drinking coffee, or when the mouth is temporarily dry.
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Persistent bad breath: may be related to bacterial buildup, gum health, cavities, dry mouth or other medical causes.
Telling the two apart is important, because persistent bad breath may not be solved by mints or mouthwash alone.
