You make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a soft bristled tooth brush, and yet, you still have bad breath that does not seem to improve. You are not in an uncommon situation, and the reason for your halitosis is a symptom of something that is not on the surface of your teeth. Here are some steps you can take to try to eliminate that persistent bad breath.
The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria, and it can hide in places where your toothbrush is not able to reach. Bacteria can live along your gumline, between your teeth, and even on the grooves of your tongue. The food you eat also sustains the bacteria, and as the bacteria digest the food, it releases sulfur compounds. As you go through your day and time passes from the last time you brushed your teeth, the bacteria grow. If you want to reduce your chances of bad breath, taking the time to floss regularly and to clean your tongue are steps to include in your at-home oral hygiene routine.
The back of your tongue is an important area to address because of the large surface it provides to bacteria to grow and areas for food debris to remain. Many people find relief from their chronic halitosis when they remove the buildup on the back of their tongues. You can either use a brush to clean the area, or you can use a tongue scraper if brushing is uncomfortable.
Your mouth uses your saliva to help keep the bacteria count under control, so when your mouth does not have enough saliva, and it dries out, bacteria propagate. Dry mouth can be the result of a medication, breathing through your mouth, caffeine, tobacco, or a medical condition. If you find that your mouth is dry or sticky in the morning, then you most likely have a low salivary flow, and you will have a stronger chance of halitosis.
Gum disease is another one of the major causes of bad breath. Inflammation of the gums creates openings between the teeth and the gums where bacteria can live. Regular brushing will not be able to reach these pockets and clear them of the odor-causing bacteria. The best way to address gum disease and prevent it from worsening is to maintain regular dental checkups. You may find that after your dental cleaning, you will not have the same bad breath problem, and your gums will be healthier than they were before your appointment.
A diet that consists of refined carbohydrates like bread and sugar, such as juice, is a diet that feeds the bacteria in your mouth well. Regular snacking throughout the day can allow the bacteria in your mouth more opportunities to reproduce. Drinks like alcohol and coffee reduce the amount of saliva and allow for the bacteria to grow. More bacteria means more bad breath.
If your bad breath does not improve after treating your gum disease or changing your diet, then you may have a more serious health issue you need to address. Sinus infections and inflammation, acid reflux, and even diabetes can leave you with halitosis.
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.