We all know that we can use a mint after a meal with onions or garlic to help the people around us not smell our leftover lunch. Halitosis is not just bad breath; it is persistent and is a symptom of a larger issue. It affects how people feel about themselves and how they communicate with others. Here are some of the causes of halitosis and how to treat them so you can be more confident in social situations and have better oral health.
As you start your digestion process in your mouth, your saliva breaks down food and any remaining debris. The enzymes present in your saliva and the bacteria present in your mouth, can generate a sulfur compound that smells bad. This is the most common cause of bad breath and can be addressed with proper timing and technique of brushing and flossing. When you brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, you will be removing bacteria with a soft-bristle brush from your teeth and with floss from your gumline.
Brushing and flossing are a great start to helping prevent bad breath, but there are other ways to help clean your mouth. The surface of your tongue is not smooth, so there are dark, damp crevices for bacteria to hide and grow. Taking the time to brush or scrape your tongue can greatly reduce your bad breath. Using a mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce bad breath, but mouthwashes high in alcohol can contribute to dry mouth.
We mentioned how important saliva is to help start your digestion process, but it is also important in helping to wash away bacteria. Saliva has the ability to help your mouth neutralize acid, so you need to avoid having a dry mouth. For some people, they wake up in the morning with a dry mouth, and for others, they take medications that can cause it. It's important to drink enough water throughout the day, and chewing sugarless gum can help encourage your mouth to produce more saliva.
The types of foods and drinks you consume may be feeding the bacteria in your mouth. Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates are the ideal way to encourage the odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Eating balanced meals, eating fewer snacks, and rinsing your mouth after eating may help reduce your bad breath.
The bad breath coming from your mouth can be a sign of an infected tooth or a health issue. Gum disease is one of the most common reasons for halitosis because the bacteria have found a place to thrive in the gums. Other health issues like sinus infections, acid reflux, and even diabetes can leave you with persistent bad breath. The dentist should be able to examine your gums and mouth to determine if you have gum disease or if you need to make an appointment with your doctor for further examinations.
If you have more questions about bad breath or how addressing it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see your treatment options for bad breath.