Sulphur breath, is commonly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that form in the mouth and react with food, producing an unpleasant odour. There are many triggers that instigate sulphur breath, including diet, nicotine use, poor oral hygiene and gum disease or infection. Though 50% of people will experience bad breath in their lifetime, treating and getting rid of sulphur breath can be achieved relatively easily at home in most cases. When it comes to getting rid of sulphur breath, there are some simple, achievable tools you can use daily, which we will identify below.

Bad Breath Prevention

Daily Oral Hygiene

One of the most effective ways to get rid of sulphur breath is by establishing good oral care at home. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of mild and temporary sulphur breath and, with the right oral care routine, it can easily be combatted. 

We recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time using a Sonic Toothbrush for optimal cleaning and oxygen delivery to all areas of the mouth.

Flossing teeth daily is an essential tool for getting rid of sulphur breath as it removes the bacteria that cause the odour. If you struggle to floss effectively, use a Water Flosser to efficiently clean teeth and gums. Use an active ingredient, alcohol-free mouthwash after meals to help combat the bacteria that cause sulphur breath. 

If you are maintaining good oral care daily and follow the steps above but are still experiencing persistent sulphur breath, it’s important that you seek professional advice and treatment from your dentist. In some cases, sulphur breath can be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay, both of which require professional treatment. Only through professional treatment for these oral care issues can you get rid of sulphur breath permanently, 

Formulations with Clean, Active Ingredients

Using oral care solutions that contain clinically proven, active ingredients is essential in combatting sulphur breath. These "actives" will work to protect tooth and gum health and will prevent and target sulphur-producing bacteria and plaque. Look for formulations that are clinically proven, clean and include active ingredients like Chlorhexidine and Fluoride to prevent bad breath permanently. As dentists, we never recommend the use of natural toothpaste that don’t include active ingredients as they won’t target oral care concerns and can harm your overall oral health. What is included in your toothpaste is just as important as what is not included. Never use toothpaste, dental floss or mouthwash formulations that contain health-damaging ingredients like sulphates, microbeads, palm oils, parabens, triclosan, DEA or SLS when getting rid of sulphur breath. 

Personalised Formulations 

To get rid of sulphur breath, it’s important to choose prescriptive, targeted oral care solutions, Prescriptive toothpaste, mouthwashes and dental flosses will combat the bacteria that cause sulphur breath and will ensure it is treated effectively.

Avoid Nicotine Use 

Nicotine is another major cause of sulphur breath and must be addressed and treated to get rid of bad breath. Smoking is linked to gum disease which can cause severe, long-term sulphur breath as well as other, more serious oral care issues. Smoking also dries out the mouth and affects saliva production, both of which contribute to smoker's breath. Though sulphur breath can be managed by maintaining a good oral care routine, only giving up smoking will get rid of sulphur breath for good.

Assess Your Diet 

Diet can often be the cause of sulphur breath as certain foods and drinks can trigger the bacteria that cause bad breath. Foods like garlic and onion, cheese, tinned fish and citrus fruits all trigger sulphur breath, while alcohol and coffee also contribute to sulphur breath. Make sure you stay hydrated when eating and drinking these triggers to aid saliva production, use a mouthwash to help neutralise bad breath or avoid this food and drinks altogether to get rid of sulphur breath.