Having bad breath can put a damper on self-confidence. If you are concerned about your breath, you may be curious to know where it comes from and what can be done about it. The answer may be more simple than you realize.
Causes of Bad Breath
There are typically a few causes for bad breath. For one, eating very fragrant foods might cause strong odors to linger. Garlic and onions can create a lasting scent in the mouth that lasts hours, despite brushing or chewing gum. Chewing tobacco and smoking can also cause bad breath. When bad breath is a severe issue that you or someone you care about has noted on a regular basis, it may be occurring because of bacteria in your mouth. This is called halitosis. It can be caused by a lack of proper dental hygiene, like brushing and flossing every day.
Germs & Bad Breath
Part of the reason we emphasize daily dental hygiene is so that bad breath doesn’t become a problem. When food particles from your meals get trapped in between teeth, bacteria feed off of the sugar and grow. When this happens, the teeth are susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup, and can even develop holes (cavities). Another issue is that bacteria in the mouth lead to a foul odor that is difficult to disguise with gum or mints. For this reason, always be sure to floss once daily and brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time.
What to Do
Call us if you’re noticing chronic malodor and bad breath. We will clean your teeth and your next appointment and assess if the problem is minor, or needs more attention. Gum disease, or periodontitis can produce halitosis. This may not be something you can fight alone. We’ll want to help to make sure your teeth and gums are clean. Always stay on top of your daily dental hygiene. You might also consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will help to freshen breath and combat gingivitis, without drying the mouth.
Please contact us today if bad breath is an issue for you. There’s no need to be self-conscious. There are simple solutions and we can help!
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