How to Beat 5 Common Causes of Bad Breath

Most of us have had bad breath when we didn’t mean to. Whether it’s on a first date, at a job interview, or just hanging out with friends or family, it affects the majority of people at some point in our lives. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can have many causes, and can be treated in a variety of ways. Let’s take a closer look at the answer to the question: what causes my bad breath in Parma Heights?

1. Dry Mouth

If you feel thirsty, your mouth may not be producing enough saliva. This is detrimental because saliva washes away excess bits of food and bacteria that cause bad breath. If you don’t have enough saliva, your mouth isn’t as clean as it could be, resulting in your breath being worse than it should.

To combat dry mouth, stay hydrated as much as you can by drinking water throughout the day. In addition, try chewing sugar-free gum after every meal and snack. This helps stimulate the flow of saliva and keeps your breath extra fresh.

2. Gum Disease

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth, and can be removed by regular brushing and flossing. When you neglect your oral hygiene, however, bacteria accumulate and cause your gums to become inflamed, the first stage of gum disease. The increased number of bacteria in your mouth make it not smell as fresh as it should.

If you think you may have gum disease, see your dentist right away. If the condition is caught early enough, the symptoms can be reversed.

3. Diet

Particles from the foods you eat can get trapped in your lungs and can be exhaled. Some breath-offending foods include:

• Coffee
• Garlic
• Onions

The best way to freshen your breath after consuming these foods is to brush your teeth. However, since some bits of the food are going to be exhaled, it won’t completely get rid of your bad breath. It will make it less unsavory.

4. Tobacco Use

Not only does smoking give you horrible breath, it also:

• Leaves unsightly stains on your teeth
• Irritates gum tissue
• Reduces your ability to taste foods

Additionally, smoking alters your perception of smell, so smokers may be unaware of just how awful their breath is. Many good things will come from quitting smoking, one of which is improved breath.

5. Medical Conditions

Infections in the mouth can cause bad breath. If you brush and floss every day, don’t smoke, and keep to a mouth-healthy diet, and your breath is still bad, your halitosis could be the result of another health issue, like:

• Diabetes
• Sinus infection
• Acid reflux
• Liver or kidney disease

If your dentist has ruled out all other causes of bad breath, it’s time to see your primary care doctor. They can diagnose any potential problems that may be causing your halitosis.

Bad breath comes from many different sources. Hopefully this list helps you figure out how you can treat your bad breath. If not, consult your dentist or general physician.

About the Author

At Advanced Dental Center, Drs. Glenn Shtarkman and Caroline Salib each bring their own unique skillsets and experiences to the table. They both stay up to date on the latest dental technology to treat their patients as quickly and comfortably as possible. for more questions no how to beat halitosis, contact the doctors through their website or by calling (440) 885-5354.