Bad Breath: Find Out What Causes It and What You Can Do to Fix It
Sometimes, everyone deals with bad breath upon waking in the morning, following a garlic-filled meal, or after enjoying the occasional glass of wine, but others suffer from persistent bad breath that always seems to be there. Whether you notice the smell yourself or have a friend or relative kind enough to gently point it out to you, dealing with bad breath (also called halitosis) can become quite stressful. It not only affects a person’s self-esteem but can also indicate a more serious health concern.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Many different factors can cause bad breath including:
- Certain Foods - Garlic, onions, legumes, broccoli, and kale can all produce gasses that cause bad breath.
- Coffee and Alcohol - Both coffee and alcohol can cause temporary halitosis.
- Tobacco Products - Cigarettes and chewing tobacco both lead to bad breath.
- Bacteria - Increased levels of bacteria present in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene, periodontal disease, and other health problems cause bad breath.
- Illness - Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, and others cause bad breath.
- Dry Mouth - Persistent dry mouth due to dehydration or disorders with a person's mucous membranes or salivary glands cause halitosis.
- Medications - Many prescription and over the counter medications can cause dry mouth (as a side effect), which can then lead to halitosis.
- Medical Conditions - Several medical conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes cause halitosis.
How to Freshen Your Breath
Most often, oral health problems cause persistent bad breath. So, the best way to begin freshening your breath is by practicing good oral hygiene.
- Brush and floss at least twice a day (or after each meal) to eradicate bacteria from the mouth. Be sure to brush your tongue, too!
- Morning and night, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Avoid using tobacco products.
- Stay hydrated.
- Combat heartburn and acid reflux by avoiding overly acidic foods.
- Treat underlying medical problems.
If you’ve tried simple remedies and haven’t found relief, we strongly recommended seeing a doctor or a dentist for a checkup. Since several underlying medical conditions can cause bad breath, you should visit a medical professional to rule out or begin treatment for any health problems.
Worried about Your Breath? Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Mott, Your Kenmore Dentist
If you’re concerned about your breath, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mott at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry. Dr. Mott will talk with you about your concerns and medical history and evaluate the health of your teeth and gums. If any signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, or chronic dry mouth are found, Dr. Mott will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for improving your oral health and solving your bad breath blues.
