Solutions For Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and detrimental to one’s social life. Even if you think your breath is generally fresh and odor-free, there may be underlying problems causing your bad breath. Here are some common causes and solutions for bad breath.
Gum disease
Dry mouth
Smoking
Food intake
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Alzheimer’s or dementia
Parkinson’s
Acid reflux
Cysts or tumors in the nose or mouth
Low saliva production
Dry mouth
Tonsil stones
Poor oral hygiene
Poor diet
Depression
Foods That Cause Bad Breath Certain foods can cause bad breath. Onions, garlic, and other allium vegetables contain high levels of sulfur. When eaten, they can cause a pungent odor. Other foods like coffee, alcohol and spicy foods can also cause bad breath.
Medications That Cause Bad Breath Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs can cause dry mouth. In fact, some prescription medications list dry mouth as one of the common side effects. Dry mouth happens when your body doesn’t produce enough saliva. While dry mouth causes a number of oral health problems, it can also cause bad breath. This is because bacteria can build up in your mouth, where saliva normally washes it away.
Medical Conditions That Cause Bad Breath Many medical conditions can cause bad breath. In fact, 95 percent of chronic halitosis is caused by an underlying systemic disease. Not brushing and flossing regularly, or smoking or chewing tobacco, can cause bad breath, too.
Dental Issues That Cause Bad Breath Bad breath can be caused by a number of dental issues. The most common cause is food getting stuck in or between your teeth. A buildup of bacteria causes a foul odor. Other dental conditions that can cause bad breath include oral infection, gum disease, dry mouth (also called xerostomia), and oral cancer.
Hygiene Issues That Cause Bad Breath Nobody likes dealing with bad breath, but unfortunately, it’s a common problem. Some common factors that lead to bad breath include poor dental hygiene habits, decay, dry mouth, and gum disease. Unfortunately, in most cases, bad breath is the result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Most cases of halitosis, or persistent bad breath, result from poor oral hygiene habits. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles, bacteria, and plaque build up on your teeth. This can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, and dental disease.
Tobacco Use Tobacco use is one of the top causes of bad breath, along with habits like smoking and chewing. Tobacco products contain toxins that coat the teeth and tongue, creating a less-than-appealing scent. Additionally, tobacco use causes dry mouth, which can lead to foul smelling breath.
Bad Breath Remedies
Brushing and Flossing Brushing and flossing are two of the most common ways to remove bacteria from your mouth. Brushing can help prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Flossing can help remove food particles and debris from between the teeth. It’s recommended to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. However, it’s advised to brush and floss after every meal. Brushing and flossing should take two to three minutes each time you do it.
Regular Dental Checkups Bad breath is often a warning sign, but it’s usually a sign of something more serious. Regular dental checkups help your dentist identify dental issues before they become bigger problems. For example, bad breath can be a sign that you have gum disease. Even if your bad breath isn’t a sign of something more serious, it can still be a sign that something isn’t right. Even if your bad breath isn’t serious, it still shouldn’t be ignored. Bad breath can be caused by a lot of different things. It may be caused by plaque buildup, gum disease, dry mouth, or other causes. Your dentist can help you treat the cause of your bad breath.
Professional Teeth Cleanings The best way to treat bad breath is by visiting the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. He or she will also polish the teeth, leaving them bright, shiny, and free of bacteria. While daily brushing and flossing are important, they cannot remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on the surfaces of the teeth. These substances can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning.
Mouthwash While mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for good oral hygiene, it can be beneficial as a supplemental measure. It can reduce volatile sulfur compounds, which are the primary offenders of bad breath.
Toothpaste Toothpaste is a simple and effective solution for bad breath. It fights the bacteria in your mouth that may cause bad breath and leaves your mouth smelling clean and fresh.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes Bad breath can be caused by a dry mouth. Dry mouth can occur because you naturally breathe through your mouth or because of dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine. You should also avoid eating strongly-scented foods, such as onions and garlic. You may also benefit from a sugar-free diet since sugar can contribute to bad breath.
Gum Disease Treatment If you have bad breath, it’s time to visit a dentist. Bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease, which is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup in your mouth. If you don’t remove plaque by brushing and flossing, bacteria will begin to eat away at your teeth and gums. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Our team offers several treatments for gum disease. These treatment options will depend on the severity of your gum disease. During your appointment, we’ll discuss which treatment option is best for you.
To find out more about the dental services offered by our dentist in Albuquerque NM, Dr. Snyder, call (505)-293-7611, schedule an online consultation or visit us at 4830 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste. K, Albuquerque, NM, 87111.
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