What’s That Smell? Ways to Help Bad Breath
Are you self-conscious when you speak to others because you feel like you always suffer from bad breath? Everyone experiences bad breath from time to time, whether they just finished a cup of strong coffee or an Italian feast that was loaded with garlic. A thorough brushing of the teeth, a round with the dental floss, and a swish of mouthwash will leave your breath fresh again. The problem occurs when you deal with frequent bad breath and you aren’t sure of the cause. Frequent bad breath is usually a warning sign that there is something more serious happening in the mouth.
What Can Cause Bad Breath?
Aside from food, there are a number of dental conditions that list bad breath as one of the warning signs. Bad breath can be caused by:
Gum Disease
Bad breath is one of the few warning signs that can indicate a problem with your gums. When bacteria builds up and creates plaque along the gumline, it can lead to bad breath and is a warning sign that you might be in the advanced stages of the disease.
Tooth Decay
When cavities are not treated in a timely fashion and begin to grow, there is the potential to trap additional food particles in the teeth. This leads to bad breath until the cavities are removed from the mouth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you experience frequent bad breath, you may not be cleaning your teeth properly. You should be brushing thoroughly at least twice a day, using dental floss at least once a day, and also use mouthwash. Skipping these steps or not cleaning your teeth as often as you should can easily contribute to bad breath. Don’t forget to clean your tongue as well when you are brushing your teeth. Bacteria on the tongue is also a common cause of bad breath.
Dry Mouth
When your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva, it is not washing away bacteria properly. Food particles can gather, adding to the chance of bad breath developing.
If you are located in the Canandaigua, NY area and are experiencing bad breath, we suggest that you make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out any concerns mentioned above. We look forward to helping you fix your oral health.
