Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is quite a common condition among many adults. Luckily, it's also treatable and preventable. But, to do so, you need to be aware of all the possible causes that can lead to bad breath.
Here's what you need to know.
One of the main causes of bad breath is the food we eat. Garlic, onions, tuna, dairy products, and certain spices can give a foul odor even after brushing your teeth. That's because the odor-causing particles of these foods enter the bloodstream and reach your lungs, affecting the freshness of your breath.
In most cases, bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush your teeth, cheeks, and tongue regularly, then food debris will remain stuck there and eventually rot, causing a bad smell in your mouth. This food debris will also turn into plaque, which can lead to gum disease. This gum inflammation can also give a bad and foul smell.
A consistent oral care routine together with regular visits to your dentist for preventive dentistry (about twice a year,) is the key to maintaining proper oral health and reducing the possibility of bad breath.
That delicious cup of coffee you have in the morning can also be the reason for your bad breath. Coffee has a very strong and pungent smell that tends to last for a long time. Moreover, it can also affect the saliva production in your mouth, which can further influence your breath. While we are not saying that you should give up coffee, make sure to drink plenty of water after having your morning cup of Joe.
A diet high in sugar can also affect your breath. That's because the bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugar and that can lead to a bad smell.
Similar to coffee, alcohol reduces the production of saliva. Saliva is essential for cleaning the food particles and debris from your mouth. In its absence, the bacteria that feed on that debris will grow and cause a strong and bad smell.
Some medications can cause dry mouth, which is a condition where your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. That's essential for cleaning your mouth and keeping odor-causing bacteria at bay. If you are noticing that your medication is giving you bad breath, then you should talk about it with your doctor and see if they can find an alternative.
At St. Clair Tooth Co., we offer a wide range of dental services. Whether it's preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or orthodontics, you can rest assured that you will receive quality and modern treatment from our dentists.
Contact us right now to book your appointment.
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