National Fresh Breath Day Date in the current year: August 6, 2024

Most people have had to combat bad breath (halitosis) at some point in their lives. According to statistics, bad breath is one of the top three most common reasons people seek dental care, alongside tooth decay and gum disease. It is not simply uncomfortable for the person affected by bad breath; it can also have negative social consequences because bad breath is viewed as a social faux pas in many cultures.

In 90% of all cases, the unpleasant odor originates in the mouth itself due to bacterial activity, but its exact causes may vary. The most common causes of bad breath originating in the oral cavity include:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Certain foods (onions, garlic, fish, meat, certain cheeses, acidic foods, coffee or tea on an empty stomach)
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Poor dental and gum health (tooth decay, gum disease, etc.)
• Medications that affect saliva production and cause dry mouth

Bad breath can also be caused by sinus infections, tonsil problems, acid reflux and other esophagus and stomach diseases, and a number of systemic conditions (poorly managed diabetes, lower respiratory tract infections, kidney infections, and some others). It should also be mentioned that some people who are sure they have bad breath actually don’t have it. This phenomenon is known as delusional halitosis or halitophopia.

In most cases, the best way to manage bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day (and don’t forget to clean your tongue while you’re at it), flossing regularly, rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwashes or at least with water after meals, and treating cavities and gum disease.

You should also be aware of food and drinks that cause bad breath and avoid consuming them around other people, or at least eat a mint or chew sugar-free gum after such meals. However, you should understand that breath mints and chewing gums are just a temporary fix; they won’t work unless you take care of your oral health.

Other tips for combating bad breath include staying hydrated (because not drinking enough water may cause a lack of saliva in your mouth, and a lack of saliva allows odor-producing bacteria to accumulate) and quitting smoking. If bad breath is caused by problems with your gastrointestinal tract, you should identify and treat the underlying condition.

It is unclear who and when came up with the idea of celebrating National Fresh Breath Day, but there is no doubt that it is important to raise awareness of proper oral hygiene. You can celebrate the holiday by learning more about the causes of bad breath and the ways to prevent it, scheduling a check-up with your dentist, and taking a pledge to commit to good oral hygiene. And don’t forget to spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtags #NationalFreshBreathDay and #FreshBreathDay.