Many people suffer from chronic bad breath or halitosis. Bad breath is something you do not want to be known for, and typically finding the cause is easy. If you suffer from bad breath but also brush, floss, or gargle each day the cause may not be obvious. Taking the time to figure out the underlying problem that may be causing your bad breath is important, and finding a cure can be simple.
Common Cause of Bad Breath
Dental Hygiene
The first area patients should focus on is their dental hygiene habits. Gum or mints are only a short term solution, and finding the cause is the only way you can truly get relief from bad breath. Looking at your dental hygiene is a great place to start because dental hygiene is the most common cause of chronic bad breath. About 85% of bad breath comes from inside the mouth. If you do not brush and floss daily, bacteria can get left behind and cause issues with your breath. Bacteria eats the leftover food particles
in your mouth, and as a result leaves a foul smelling odor in your mouth and on your teeth.
Devices
If patients wear retainers, dentures, or mouthguards while they sleep, these devices can trap bacteria or food particles if not cleaned properly. This can attribute to alitosis or chronic bad breath. Taking care of your teeth and mouth is extremely important for your overall and oral health, and can prevent issues such as bad breath that could be embarrassing around others.
Cavities or Infection
If you suffer from cavities or have an infect ion lingering in your mouth that has not been treated, this can cause bad breath. Attending regular visits to our office for your dental cleaning and exam is important. Our skilled staff can get in front of issues such as cavities or infections and prevent further problems in the future. If patients have issues with their tonsils or throat, this can cause bad breath, and can be from an infection such as strep throat. Patients should seek treatment from their primary care physician if they feel there is an issue with their tonsils or throat.
Dry Mouth or Dehydration
Dehydration or dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. Saliva and water wash away bacteria or food particles. If your mouth is not hydrated this reduces saliva and can cause halitosis. Our saliva contains pertinent minerals and proteins that help defend against bacteria. Staying hydrated is important to keep our mouth healthy and to prevent bad breath.
Other Possible Causes for Bad Breath
- Diabetes
- Throat or mouth cancer
- Sinus infection
- Digestive issues
- Acid reflux
- Lung infection
- Liver disease
What Can I Do to Cure My Bad Breath?
- Brush and floss two times a day
- Use an antimicrobial rinse daily
- Tongue scrape daily to remove bacteria
- Remove any devices and clean them thoroughly
- Visit our dental office for regular cleanings and exams
- Review your diet and try and stick to eating healthy foods
- Drink water and stay hydrated
- Avoid tobacco products
Looking For a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?
Choosing the best restorative option is a big decision, and our team is here to help. Our consultation process will answer all of your questions, and we will discuss what option may work best for you. We want our patients to be proud of their smile, and our team works to give patients the highest level of care. At Bastrop Denture & Implant Center, we welcome our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment using state of the art technology. Creating beautiful smiles is what we do, and we take pride in giving patients a smile they can be proud of.
If you are interested in finding out more about your restorative options such as dental implants or dental bridges, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
