Causes Of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a surprisingly common problem. As a matter of fact, almost one-third of all adults are affected by halitosis. Gum disease, dry mouth, and tobacco or alcohol use can all cause halitosis.

If you are concerned about bad breath, our dental team can help you to identify the cause. Then, we can recommend a treatment that can eliminate your bad breath, as well as prevent it from coming back in the future.

What Are The Causes of Bad Breath?

• Poor Dental Hygiene

Many people experience that their breath smells bad in the morning when they haven’t brushed their teeth. When you don’t brush and floss every day, food particles can remain in your mouth and attract bacteria. This can cause bad breath. By brushing and flossing your teeth and visiting your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning, you can get rid of any plaque and bacteria.

• Gum Disease

The most common cause of halitosis is gum disease. When bacteria build up on your teeth, it can create an unpleasant odor. The odor will be most prominent when you exhale.

• Dry Mouth

One of the most common causes of bad breath is dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, you don’t have an effective amount of saliva. Saliva helps wash away food particles and reduce bacteria. Without enough saliva present, bacteria and food particles can build up and cause bad breath.

• Systemic Disease

Systemic diseases, such as diabetes can increase the risk of oral infections. These infections can lead to unpleasant breath. 

Diabetes can cause dry mouth in several ways. First, diabetes can cause damage to the salivary glands. When they are damaged, they aren’t able to secrete as much saliva. Saliva plays a key role in washing away the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Second, diabetes can change the body’s hormone levels. These hormones can lead to dry mouth. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth due to the medications used to treat it.

• Smoking

Many smokers suffer from chronic bad breath due to dry mouth. They breathe through their mouth all the time, and this dries out their oral tissues, causing bad breath.

• Diet

While diet doesn’t have much to do with bad breath, certain foods can contribute to the problem. Due to the bacteria in your mouth, foods like onions, garlic, and coffee can contribute to bad breath.

• Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones are inflammation or infection of the tonsils that become coated with calcified debris. These small white stones cause bad breath, a sore throat, pain when swallowing, and difficulty sleeping.

Tips To Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing. If you suffer from bad breath, here are the things you can do at home to help. 

• Practice proper oral hygiene
• Drink plenty of water every day
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use floss to remove food debris and plaque between teeth
• Use mouthwash to freshen your breath
• Schedule a regular checkup with your dentist
• Avoid tobacco and tobacco products
• Cut out foods like garlic and onions from your diet

Visit Next Level Dental at 693 President Pl #101, Smyrna, TN 37167, to learn more about our dental services. Contact us at (615) 459-6354 or schedule an appointment online for any queries related to dental implants.