Halitosis, or bad breath, can be caused by several things – everything from poor dental health habits to other health problems. Bad breath can be made worse by the types of foods you eat and/or unhealthy lifestyle habits. You may not even be aware of your own bad breath.
Reasons for bad breath:
• What you eat can affect the way your breath smells. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can have a very strong and lasting odor.
• If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath, not to mention tooth decay and gingivitis.
• Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor.
• Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask us for tips on kicking the habit.
• Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If this is the case, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause.
The good news is there are many ways to help eliminate bad breath from your life. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, so schedule regular dental visits with our office for a professional cleaning and checkup. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, and don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!
If you are concerned you may be suffering from stinky breath then talk to us at your next appointment. We can help identify the cause and if it’s due to an oral condition, we can develop a treatment plan to help alleviate it. Contact us for an appointment today!
