Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. If you’re concerned about it, see your dentist. It can be caused by a number of sources, and he or she can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment.
Causes
- Food. What you eat affects the air you exhale, like garlic or onions. If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food can remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria which make a stench in your mouth.
- Gum disease. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease; which is caused by plaque.
- Dry mouth. This occurs when the flow of saliva decreases and can be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Without enough saliva, food particles are not cleaned away.
- Smoking and tobacco. In addition to staining teeth and being bad for overall health, tobacco can add to halitosis. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Users are also more likely to suffer from gum disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer
- Medical conditions. Some diseases have symptoms related to halitosis. Sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and some liver or kidney diseases may be associated with it.
If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease or dry mouth. It may be the sign of a medical disorder. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care physician.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss. Brush your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
It’s important to note that mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odour, see your dentist.
If you are concerned about your gum health, would like to know more about the correct tooth care methods or, simply think it’s time to visit a dentist, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Dental House today
Opening April 2016
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