Occasional bad breath happens to almost everybody. While chronic bad breath (also known as halitosis) might have more serious causes, occasional bad breath can be prevented fairly easily with good oral care.
Bad Oral Care
If you’re not brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day you should reconsider. When you don’t brush after eating, the food particles in your mouth become a breeding ground for bacterial growth, causing you to have bad breath and develop cavities. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper is also recommended.
Chronic bad breath could also be a sign of gum disease. Gum (periodontal) disease happens when the bacteria that forms in your mouth as a result of plaque buildup on your teeth causes toxins to develop and irritate your gums. If you think gum disease could be what’s behind your bad breath, call our office — if left untreated, gum disease can lead to very serious damage of your gums and teeth.
Other Bad Breath Factors
Certain medications, salivary gland issues, and mouth breathing can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which can also lead to bad breath. Dry mouth occurs when you’re not making enough saliva to combat the acids caused by plaque, and it also allows the dead cells that naturally collect on your tongue, cheeks, and gums to build up. When this buildup doesn’t get washed away by your saliva, all those cells start to decompose, causing your breath to smell badly. While this isn’t a long-term solution to chronic dry mouth, certain sugar-free gums and mints can help boost your saliva production.
Bad breath is kind of embarrassing, and we know seeking help for it is a little awkward. But it’s something we’ve all dealt with, or will deal with, and it ties directly to your oral health. If you are concerned that you are suffering from bad breath, call our office for an appointment today.