Are you sick and tired of your stinky breath? You might be suffering from a condition known as halitosis. This condition is actually quite common and can make you suffer from some serious anxiety. While occasional bad breath is quite normal, the persistence of this condition indicates a deeper, more serious dental problem.
Go through this guide to get an insight into the causes of this condition and how maintaining oral health can help you prevent it.
What Are The Usual Causes Of Bad Breathe?
You can experience bad breath due to a variety of factors. Here are the primary causes:
Bad Diet
Certain food items like garlic, onions, sugary treats, etc can contribute to your stinky breathe. They contain compounds that can linger in your mouth and bloodstream, making the odor last for hours after consumption.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Have you been neglecting your oral hygiene? This can give bacteria a chance to thrive in your mouth. They can feed on the food particles in your teeth and gums to produce foul smells. Practice regular brushing and flossing to avoid this.
Dry Mouth
Saliva plays an important role in washing away the bacteria and food debris. Your saliva production might decrease due to medications, diseases, and lack of hydration. This might cause dry out your mouth and cause persistent bad breath. You can see a dentist in Auburn for guidance.
Diseases
Several health issues such as gum disease, sinus infections and digestive issues might make your breathe smell. Chronic diseases like diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels leading to a distinct fruity odor in your breathe.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use can stain your teeth and cause chronic bad breath. Tobacco can reduce your saliva flow, increasing bacterial growth and leading to gum disease. This may worsen your breath odor.
How Can You Treat Bad Breath?
You can treat halitosis with simple lifestyle changes and better oral practices. Here’s how:
Good Oral Hygiene
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, brush daily, and clean your tongue to remove any odor-causing bacteria. Your tongue can harbor a significant amount of bacteria, so using a tongue scraper might help.
Diet and Hydration
Drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods like apples and carrots to promote saliva production. Try to reduce the consumption of garlic, onions, and sugary foods to minimize bad breath.
Mouthwash and Chewing Gum
Use mouthwash with antibacterial properties to fight off odor-causing bacteria. Choose alcohol-free mouthwashes for dry mouth. You can also chew on sugar-free chewing gum to increase saliva production and wash off food debris.
Can You Prevent Bad Breathe With A Dentist?
Are your proactive steps failing to remove the odor from your mouth? Then it’s high time for you to see the dentist. They can clean your gum line and teeth with special tools and materials to remove plaque that toothbrushes can’t clean. They can also treat gum disease, cavities, and other factors that make your breath stink.
You must also watch out for other symptoms, such as bleeding, swelling, etc, as they may indicate a serious dental disease. Discuss all your symptoms and concerns with the dental professional to get the best possible treatment.
Bad breathing can be an embarrassing problem, but it is often preventable and treatable. Understanding the causes and adopting proper habits like hydration, good diet, etc can help you enjoy a fresh breathe. Consult a dentist if you suspect oral diseases to be the cause.
Are you ready to freshen your breath? Schedule a consultation today!
