Bad breath, also known as halitosis, has many causes and can be very embarrassing. To prevent bad breath and the embarrassment that accompanies it, you need to understand possible underlying causes. A consultation at our Stittsville dental clinic can help identify the source of your bad breath and get you on the path to freshness. This article highlights some of the things that can cause bad breath, as well as how to address it.
Outline
- Things that can cause bad breath
- Tobacco
- Food
- Bacteria
- Dry mouth
- Dental problems
- Disease
- How to deal with bad breath
Things that can cause bad breath
The following are some of the things associated with halitosis:
- Tobacco
- Food
- Bacteria
- Dry mouth
- Dental problems
- Disease
Tobacco
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking tobacco also does the following to your oral health:
- Causes oral cancer
- Stains your teeth
- Irritates your gums
Food
Some foods like garlic, onions, coffee, and spicy or fragrant foods can leave you with bad breath.
Bacteria
When sticky bacteria build up in your mouth due to inadequate oral hygiene, it can lead to bad breath.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which is mostly a side effect of:
- Medications or
- Smoking
Dry mouth can also result from:
- Mouth breathing or
- Underlying health issues
Dental problems
Some of the dental issues that can cause bad breath include:
- Cavities
- Crowded teeth
- Ill-fitting dental appliances
- Gum diseases
Disease
The following diseases can result in bad breath:
- Sinus infections
- Tonsillitis
- respiratory issues
- diabetes
Sometimes medications prescribed for these conditions may cause dry mouth and bad breath.
How to deal with bad breath
If you want to achieve freshness in your mouth, take the following actions:
- Be honest about your lifestyle and habits with both your dentist and doctor
- Consider a tobacco-free lifestyle
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Consider flossing daily
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Use mouthwash
- Routine visits to a dentist
- Talk to your doctor about medical side effects
Book an appointment at our Stittsville dental clinic.
If you are in Stittsville, and experiencing bad breath, visit our trusted Stittsville dental clinic at Mulkins Main Dental. Our dental professionals will work with you to identify the source of your bad breath and develop a treatment plan. Give us a call today!