Bad breath or halitosis is a condition that affects approximately half of the population!
There’s nothing more embarrassing than when you begin to notice somebody backing away because of how your breath smells.
Fortunately, using the right toothpaste can help control odor-producing bacteria and improve your overall oral health.
If you are searching for the best toothpaste for bad breath, then you’ve landed on the right post.
In this article, we’ll explore a detailed breakdown of the most prevalent causes of bad breath and provide a handpicked list of the most effective toothpaste options that you can use.
Let’s begin!
Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath
In many cases, people who suffer from bad breath are unaware of it because their friends and family members may not tell them.
Bad breath can cause embarrassment, self-consciousness, and social anxiety for those who experience it. Individuals with bad breath may feel reluctant to engage in close conversations, social interactions, or intimate situations due to fear of being judged or negatively perceived by others.
While getting bad breath from time to time is completely normal, finding the root cause can help prevent and treat the issue!
General Oral Hygiene
Poor oral health care is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Failing to regularly stay on top of your oral hygiene will lead to food particles remaining in your mouth.
In turn, a buildup of bacteria, or plaque, can begin forming on your teeth. On top of that, bacteria can also get trapped on your tongue and tonsils – which produces unpleasant odors and taste in your mouth!
Plaque can even irritate your gums. In time, plaque-filled pockets can form around your gums and teeth if not brushed away.
This can lead to cavities or gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Making sure that you are thorough and consistent with your oral care routine is the best long-term solution for bad breath.
Certain Foods and Drinks
Aside from bacteria buildup, the food broken down in your mouth is absorbed into the bloodstream and can affect the air that you exhale once it moves to your lungs.
This makes foods with strong odors a major cause of bad breath. Some of these flavorful foods include garlic, onions, and certain vegetables and spices.
While brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can be useful, they only work temporarily because the odor will only go away completely once the foods have passed through the body.
When it comes to drinks, coffee and alcohol are two of the primary culprits for causing bad breath. Drinking them excessively can decrease your saliva production, which increases odor-causing bacteria.
Dry Mouth
Saliva essentially cleanses your mouth by removing the debris and particles that are causing unpleasant odors.
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a condition that involves a significant decrease in saliva production and is often connected to halitosis.
Some of the main causes of dry mouth include saliva gland disorders, certain medications, or constant mouth breathing instead of through the nose.
‘Morning breath’ is the term that refers to the dry mouth that is naturally occurring while you sleep. Instances of morning breath can become more severe if you sleep with your mouth open.
Dental Problems and Poorly Fitted Dental Appliances
Dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections can contribute to bad breath. These conditions create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to unpleasant odors.
Dentures, dental braces, or other dental appliances that are not properly cleaned or fitted can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to bad breath.
Your Diet and Digestion
Apart from flavorful or spicy foods, your overall diet can also result in bad breath. Halitosis is usually tied to high-sugar, high-protein, or low-carb diets.
When your diet consists of foods that are high in sugar, the naturally existing bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and turn them into sour smells.
Additionally, a diet that is too low in carbs can cause changes in your metabolism – leading to bad breath. Some high-protein foods can also give you bad breath because your body tends to release sulfurous gasses when they aren’t metabolized.
Fortunately, this can be avoided by incorporating a more balanced diet that includes more vegetables and nutrient-dense foods.
However, it's important to note that digestive issues can also cause bad breath. If you frequently experience acid reflux, constipation, or bowel disorders, the odors from consumed foods can come back up from the esophagus and out the mouth!
Tobacco Products
Whether it's through smoking or chewing, the consumption of tobacco products can not only cause halitosis but also lead to much more severe oral health issues.
In particular, smoking immediately causes bad breath because it starves the mouth of oxygen.
Aside from giving you bad breath, they can also damage your gum tissue, stain your teeth, and more.
Some of the major risks that come with tobacco products include periodontal disease, loss of taste, oral cancer, and irritated gums.
Health Conditions and Other Causes
Bad breath can also be a symptom of health conditions such as constant heartburn, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, liver or kidney issues, and more.
Most notably, postnasal drip occurs when nasal fluid runs down from behind the back of your throat, giving you bad breath. Some of the common causes of postnasal drip include respiratory infections or a constant swelling of the nose, throat, or sinuses.
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are another common culprit of bad breath!
These are small stones that are formed in the tonsils and covered with bacteria. While not as common, some diseases, blood disorders, and cancers can also cause a distinctive bad breath odor.
Lastly, taking certain prescription medications can lead to bad breath because of their side effects. Aside from causing dry mouth, some of these medicines release chemicals that are carried from your bloodstream to your breath.
Our Top Picks for Fresher Air
To help you combat bad breath, here is our list of the most effective toothpaste that can give you lasting freshness and confidence:
1. Boka Ela Mint n-Ha Toothpaste
Boka is a brand that is passionate about and dedicated to all things oral care. Our nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) toothpaste is the future of toothpaste!
Since n-HA is a form of calcium that comprises the foundation of your teeth and bones, it has the natural ability to freshen breath, remineralize teeth, and support enamel health unlike any other toothpaste on the market.
This powerful ingredient is complemented with bacteria-fighting xylitol, antioxidant-rich green tea, soothing aloe vera, and refreshing mint to fight bacteria and keep bad breath away.
If you are searching for the most innovative products in dentistry, check out our entire n-Ha collection page!
2. Boka Orange Cream n-Ha Toothpaste for Kids
Boka’s Orange Cream n-Ha Toothpaste is one of the most delightful ways to fight bad breath and the good news is that it isn’t just for kids!
It is a safe-to-swallow alternative for training toothpaste that swaps fluoride for nano-hydroxyapatite.
Did you know that n-HA was first used by NASA astronauts during space missions?
Not only does it remove bad breath, this revolutionary material has the ability to remineralize and fortify your children’s teeth with every brush.
Your kids will love the easy-to-use flip cap and tasty mix of fresh-peeled orange and natural vanilla that tastes just like dessert!
3. Crest 3D White Toothpaste Radiant Mint
Aside from treating bad breath, your toothpaste should be able to protect your teeth. Crest 3D White is one of the best all-around choices for keeping your teeth free from cavities, removing surface stains, and strengthening enamel.
Compared to regular toothpaste, Crest 3D White can both fight bad breath and remove up to 80% of surface stains.
That’s not to mention its radiant mint flavor that has also received high praise from customers all around the country.
4. Colgate Max Fresh Whitening Toothpaste with Breath Strips
Colgate Max Fresh Whitening Toothpaste stays true to its claim that its freshness can last for hours.
However, it’s important to note that there are other Colgate products that are better for handling lingering food after-tastes!
This toothpaste does an excellent job fighting the bacteria on teeth, cheeks, tongue, and gums that cause bad breath. It even comes with hundreds of mini breath strips that can further prolong minty freshness.
5. Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme can both combat bad breath and whiten your teeth in just six weeks.
Its inclusion of baking soda as the primary ingredient removes light staining and plaque, and is equipped with antibacterial properties that prevent tooth decay. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide is the key active ingredient that helps in tooth whitening.
However, if you are picky about the taste of your toothpaste, Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme might not be the ideal choice. Its flavor is somewhat odd and far from the minty flavor that most people are used to.
6. Aquafresh Extreme Clean Whitening Action Toothpaste
If you are somebody who appreciates the feeling of lathering up your teeth, Aquafresh Extreme Clean Whitening Action Toothpaste is your best bet!
This toothpaste’s active foam can reach between your teeth to easily remove any food debris. It can even get all the way to the back of your mouth, gums, and tongue where the odor-causing bacteria can linger.
When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, Aquafresh Extreme Clean Whitening Action Toothpaste is a good choice for deep cleaning and fighting plaque. However, it can be a little too strong if you are dealing with sensitive teeth.
Join Boka to Enjoy Fresh Breath and a Confident Smile
When it comes to dental health, Boka has a strong drive to merge nature and science for a full-body experience.
Our products are made with high-performing formulas and proven ingredients that are non-toxic because we firmly believe that health starts with the mouth. Join the Boka community today and receive exclusive discounts!