Nobody wants to have bad breath, but it’s a condition that can be caused by a number of different factors. Some causes of bad breath are fixable with minor adjustments to your daily life, while other issues are best treated with the assistance of a dental professional. Today, we take a closer look at some of the common causes of bad breath, and how you can treat the problem.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath is caused by more than just eating pungent foods like onions or garlic. It can be caused by a number of different issues, including:
- Gum Disease
- Mouth Bacteria
- Smoking/Tobacco Use
- Dietary Choices
- Medical Conditions
- Unclean Dentures
Treating Bad Breath
Let’s take a look at the six common causes of bad breath that we listed above, and share some ways to prevent them from leading to bad breath.
- Gum Disease – The easiest way to prevent against gum disease is to have good oral health. Brush your twice at least twice a day, and floss to remove food particles that can contribute to bad breath.
- Mouth Bacteria – A good portion of the mouth bacteria that can contribute to bad breath is present on your tongue, so don’t forget to brush your tongue after you’ve hit your teeth. Mouthwash can also kill or neutralize bacteria in your mouth that is causing bad breath.
- Smoking/Tobacco Use – We know that it’s easier said than done, but giving up smoking will help improve your breath and your overall oral health. Stopping smoking has health benefits for your entire body, so really consider giving up the habit.
- Dietary Choices – Certain pungent food choices can give us bad breath. You don’t need to avoid these options altogether, but make sure your brush well and floss to remove particles after consuming food or beverages that are contributing to bad breath.
- Medical Conditions – Certain medications or medical conditions can inhibit the production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva actually helps to protect your teeth and kill harmful bacteria that can lead to bad breath, so consider switching medications to see if this affects saliva production. You can also try to increase saliva production by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard citrus-flavored candy.
- Clean Dentures – Regular denture care is important if you want to keep them from contributing to your bad breath. Make sure that you remove them and clean them nightly. Irregular cleaning can lead to foul breath.
For more tips on how to prevent and treat bad breath, reach out to Dr. Brooks’ office today.