Why Does My Breath Smell After Quitting Smoking?

If you’ve recently kicked your smoking habit and find yourself wondering why your breath has taken a nosedive into unpleasant territory, fear not – this is a normal part of quitting smoking.

In reality, if you keep on smoking, your breath will keep on getting worse. Think of the bad breath you have right now after quitting as a one-time thing; your breath is just about to get fresher from your first day of quitting and onward.

In this post, we’re going to delve into the curious case of post-smoking bad breath, why it happens, and what you can do about it.

Why Does My Breath Smell After Quitting Smoking?

Chat to a prescriber
  Bulk-billed phone consultations
  TGA-authorised clinicians
  Nicotine vaping scripts available

Get started                                

It’s hard to do, but you’ve finally rid yourself of the last cigarette and now, you’ve welcomed yourself into a life free from cigarette smoke.

Unfortunately, you recognise that your breath didn’t use to smell this terrible before. Why did this happen?

Cigarette smoke never smelled good in the first place, so it makes sense that chemical remnants in your mouth are contributing to the bad smell.

This is a terrible byproduct in addition to the chemicals from cigarette smoke that harms your lungs and heart.

You may have also noticed that your mouth feels drier than usual — smoking has been known to cause dry mouth. Unfortunately, a dry mouth is a prime breeding ground for bacteria, another major cause of bad breath.

The Cause of Bad Breath

Smoking and oral hygiene have a very problematic relationship.

The mouth produces saliva, which contains natural chemicals that rinse away bacteria and protect it from the danger of acid from food and other sources. Chemicals from cigarette smoke dry the mouth and reduce saliva production, especially if the smoker has no regular water intake.

Fortunately, the dry mouth and bacterial growth is only temporary (if bacterial growth does happen) after you quit smoking. In a few days or weeks, the moisture levels in your mouth will gradually increase.

Combined with good oral hygiene during your quit journey, the problem of bad breath should disappear entirely.

Why Does Smoking Give You Bad Breath?

Before we jump into the breath-saving solutions, let’s backtrack a bit. Can smoking cause bad breath? Absolutely. 

Smoking is like throwing a party for bacteria in your mouth. As mentioned, the chemicals in cigarettes dry out your mouth and leave a sticky residue on your teeth, gums, and tongue, creating a breeding ground for foul-smelling bacteria.

But fear not, as understanding the ‘why’ can often lead us to the ‘how’ of fixing the issue and the best ways to get rid of bad breath after quitting smoking.

When Does Bad Breath Go Away After Quitting Smoking?

Now, the burning question – when does bad breath bid its final farewell after quitting smoking? Patience, mates. 

The timeline varies from person to person. Some lucky people find a noticeable improvement within weeks, while for others, it might take a few months. 

When your breath doesn’t smell like it’s getting better even after months after quitting, don’t despair. The key is to stay consistent with your oral hygiene routine, stay hydrated, and give your body the time it needs to adjust.

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath After Quitting Smoking

Now, onto the main event – banishing that post-smoking dragon breath. Here are some practical steps to help you reclaim the freshness in your mouth:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Water is your new best friend. Staying well-hydrated encourages saliva production, flushing away those pesky bacteria causing the stench. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and your mouth will thank you.

Oral Hygiene MVPs: Brush, floss, rinse – make this your twice-daily mantra. Investing in a good quality toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and an alcohol-free mouthwash can significantly improve your oral hygiene and tackle bad breath.

Tongue Scraper: Your tongue can be a haven for bacteria. Use a tongue scraper to remove the residue and bacteria contributing to bad breath. It’s a small tool with a big impact.

Chew Gum or Munch on Crunchy Veggies: Sugar-free gum or crunchy veggies like celery can stimulate saliva production, helping to cleanse your mouth and keep bad breath at bay. Just be mindful of not overdoing it on the gum, as excessive chewing can contribute to jaw issues.

Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. A dental professional can detect and address any lingering issues, ensuring your pearly whites stay healthy and your breath stays fresh.

The Silver Lining of Quitting Smoking

While battling bad breath might seem like a frustrating side effect, let’s not lose sight of the silver lining – you’ve quit smoking! 

Congratulations on taking a monumental step toward better health. The short-lived challenge of post-smoking bad breath is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of a smokefree life.

Quitting smoking not only improves your oral health but also significantly reduces the risk of various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. 

Your breath might be a bit off-kilter now, but remember, this is a temporary phase on the road to better overall health and well-being.

Summary

It’s worth all the trouble to stop smoking and deal with the bad breath that you might endure for a few days or months. But, if you stop and think about it, not quitting smoking will still leave you with the same horrid breath – which will get worse if you don’t stop smoking for good.

Any motivation is a great catalyst for quitting smoking, even if it seems something as small as having better-smelling breath. If you’d like to know more about how smoking significantly affects your health in various ways and to motivate yourself to take your quit journey even further, we can help.

Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around! 

If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good, including using responsible vaping products where appropriate and help you quit smoking today.

Link Reference

• https://www.mthollyfamilydentistry.com/blog/dry-mouth-smoking/