Banish your bad breath for good!
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a symptom in which a noticeably unpleasant breath odor is present. It can result in social anxiety and it’s even been associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Overall, it’s an embarrassing health condition that affects approximately 30% of people around the world.
The good news is, by knowing the causes of bad breath, you can help to prevent it. Here are 4 of the top known causes of halitosis and how to treat them.
Regular Dental Appointments
The number one reason people suffer from bad breath is that they don’t take proper care of their own oral health.
Inadequate dental care causes bacterial buildup on your teeth and gums. Teeth can’t shed their surfaces the way skin can, so microorganisms can easily attach to your teeth and remain there for a long time. If they aren’t removed when you brush, they’ll turn into dental plaque.
When plaque accumulates near your gumline, it hardens and begins to destroy your teeth and gum tissues due to the strong presence of bacteria. This leads to gum disease, which allows proteins from bleeding gums and diseased tissue to fuel odor-causing bacterias.
The best way to avoid this is to keep regular dental appointments and have your teeth cleaned once every 6 months. Prevention is the key to optimal oral health and in return– fresh breath!
Eat This, Not That
Certain foods, including onions and garlic, cause bad breath because they contain smelly sulfur compounds. Refined and processed sugars also provide a food source for bacteria. Additionally, coffee and juices can contribute to this problem because they’re acidic and provide the bacteria with an ideal breeding environment.
If you’re suffering from halitosis, your best bet is to stick with drinking water and eating breath-friendly foods. Some pallet cleansing options include cheese, apples, lean meats, and nuts.
Dry Mouth
When your mouth is dry, it provides the perfect environment for bacteria reproduction. Most people experience foul breath in the morning due to a lack of saliva production while they sleep. For healthy individuals, food odors are temporary and normal salivary flow will eliminate them within several minutes. However, those who suffer from dry mouth and lack of saliva find that even minor food odors may lead to long-term issues.
Since long periods of speaking, smoking, drinking alcohol, and snoring are a few common underlying causes, try cutting down on your vices, drinking more water, and chewing sugar-free gum to help promote saliva production. If that doesn’t work, make an appointment with your dentist. Dr. Arnold can work to figure out the underlying cause of your dry mouth and the best way to treat it.
Illness
Another reason you might be experiencing less than stellar breath is an illness. Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, can cause bad breath. Additionally, some diseases, such as certain cancers and metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive odor as a result of the chemicals they produce.
If you think an illness may be to blame, make an appointment with your primary care doctor to get to the root of the problem.
Make an Appointment
The best way to truly identify the source of chronic halitosis is to visit your dentist or doctor for a professional diagnosis. Be sure to be open and honest. It’s important for them to understand all of the health problems you’re experiencing in order to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Click here to request an appointment online.
Ever since he was little Dr. J. Fred Arnold wanted to be a dentist. He has lived in Kentucky all of his life, except for three years he spent serving in the Air Force (1984-1987). He and his wife Holly have raised their family here and couldn’t imagine spending life anywhere else. They love the great schools and the emphasis on arts and culture.