Bad-smelling breath can affect the best of us after a flavorful meal. But you can get rid of most cases of bad breath by brushing, flossing, or rinsing your teeth to eliminate lingering food particles. If bad breath persists or becomes chronic, your halitosis could point to a more serious problem.
You should talk to your dentist about chronic bad breath to diagnose and treat underlying oral health concerns that may contribute to this unpleasant symptom. Knowing more about these factors that lead to bad breath can help you get rid of it. To better improve your chances of fighting halitosis, read on to learn four of the primary causes of bad-smelling breath.
Common Causes of Halitosis
Strong Foods and Beverages
Food particles and residues that cling to your teeth and start to decay in the mouth are major reasons people experience bad breath. But certain strong foods and beverages will worsen this symptom so that it will not go away when you complete your oral hygiene routine.
Garlic and onions, for instance, will transfer their fragrant oils to your bloodstream which will reach your lungs. This could give you bad breath that will last longer than a day and remain even when you brush and floss your teeth. Pay attention to your diet to ensure it does not contribute to halitosis.
Poor Oral Habits
You complete oral hygiene to get rid of lingering food particles but also plaque. This film over your teeth comes from your natural oral bacteria. Not only will this eat away at your dental structure if you do not remove it promptly. But it will start to emit a foul odor, giving you bad breath.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup. If you lapse on this regimen, you could form bad breath. Attend routine teeth cleanings at your dentist’s office too to maximize this preventative dental care and ensure your smile stays as clean and fresh as possible.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth refers to an oral condition in which your mouth feels dry and sticky due to a lack of saliva. Then oral bacteria will spread with greater ease through your mouth. And this increases your risk of infections as well as bad breath.
This often occurs when you are dehydrated, so drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth symptoms. Sometimes, dry mouth happens as a side effect of medication. If dry mouth persists even when you drink a lot of water, ask your dentist for help resolving this issue.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a type of oral infection in the gum tissue. It often presents with inflammation in its early stages. Gums will swell and become damaged as the disease progresses. And bacteria will collect deep in the gum pockets where they will start to smell and contribute to halitosis.
You will need periodontal therapy from a dentist to get rid of gum disease, so take care of your gums to avoid contracting this infection. Practice good oral hygiene and seek regular exams from your dentist.