How To Prevent Bad Breath If You're An Older Adult

If you've noticed that your breath is getting worse as you age, don't worry, you're not alone. Keeping your breath fresh just takes a little extra effort the more... distinguished... you become. So why do older people have bad breath? (Or halitosis, if you want to get technical about it.) Various possible causes range from diet to hygiene, to potential underlying health issues. We'll take you through the potential culprits so you can narrow down the source of any unwanted odors. Then, you just might be able to come up with a solution and you can breathe a big, fresh, sigh of relief.

What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

It's not just the oldest and wisest amongst us who exhale in a less-than-desirable fashion. According to an article published in the European Journal of Dentistry, the prevalence of halitosis in the US general population is about 50 percent. So we'll begin by addressing the causes that tend to affect the masses first because that may provide the easiest and fastest solution for you.

Do you have enough will power to give up certain foods like garlic, onions, and certain spices? Are you willing to cut down on or completely give up drinking alcohol? Or to stop chewing tobacco? These are some of the most common offenders of bad breath (and, of course, alcohol and tobacco can have adverse effects on your health more generally). The only real solution to these causes is avoiding them.

Whatever you decide, giving abstinence a try (at least temporarily) will help you determine what's at fault. Suppose you decide that what you're eating, drinking, or inhaling isn't the reason for your bad breath. In that case, the Mayo Clinic says that various underlying health conditions can cause halitosis. Your dental professional is the person best suited to diagnose any potential health or hygiene issues.

How Does Periodontal Disease Cause Bad Breath?

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health-related causes of chronic bad breath, particularly in aging populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 70 percent of adults over the age of 65 have periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is typically a result of plaque collecting on your teeth and gums (it's also known as gum disease). Your dental professional will be able to remedy the issue pretty quickly by cleaning your teeth and removing any tartar deposits you may have so your gums can heal. They'll likely recommend a stringent dental hygiene routine for you to follow at home to ensure your gums stay healthy and bacteria-free.

How Does Dry Mouth Cause Bad Breath?

Dry mouth (or xerostomia if you want to impress your friends) is another common cause of bad breath in aging populations. You may be wondering why dryness in your mouth would create an unpleasant odor. It's simple. Suppose you don't have enough saliva to wash away food particles. In that case, it can collect on your teeth and gums, and bacteria will flourish.

There are many reasons you could be experiencing xerostomia as you get older. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, aging does not cause dry mouth in and of itself. Some of the reasons for dry mouth relating to aging could be the result of medications you're taking, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or alcoholism.

Regardless of the cause, keeping moisture in your mouth can help with unpleasant odors. Some older people use artificial saliva products, but sipping water or sucking on sugar-free lozenges throughout the day can help a lot, too.

How Do Dentures, Partials, and Fixed Bridges Cause Bad Breath?

If you wear removable replacement teeth, that's another possible reason your breath isn't as fresh as you'd like it to be. Food may have built up in hard to reach crevices, allowing bacteria to grow. A more stringent cleaning routine of your artificial teeth could rid your mouth of any unwanted odors.

Learn more about how to clean dentures and avoid bacteria buildup here.

Now that you know the most common causes of halitosis for older adults, we hope you're better able to narrow down what's causing any problems for you. Most often, ridding yourself of bad breath is as simple as practicing good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day (don't forget to brush your tongue), floss or clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or water flossers at least once a day, and consider using other helpful products like antimicrobial mouth rinses and tongue scrapers. Be sure to see your dental professional for regular cleanings – not only to keep your teeth pearly white and bacteria-free but also to ensure they're able to catch potential underlying health issues. And whatever the reason for your bad breath, remember there is a solution out there that will leave you breathing fresh and easy.