Freshen Up And Recognize The 7 Most Common Causes Of Bad Breath
We’ve all had bad breath, which is also sometimes called “halitosis.” But why does it happen? There are lots of things that can contribute to bad breath, so in this blog from Santo Dental Group, we’ll go over a few of the most common culprits. Read on, and learn everything you need to know to keep your breath fresh.
The most common cause of bad breath, by far, is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss properly every day, a thin film of bacteria-filled “plaque” will build up on your teeth and gums. Over time, this will harden into tartar, which can also discolor your teeth.
The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause bad breath, and also can contribute to cavities and gum disease. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth healthy. And don’t forget a six-month visit to Santo Dental Group for a checkup and teeth cleaning.
Certain flavor compounds in food and drink can make your breath smelly. Strong cheeses, vegetables like onions and garlic, and some spices and herbs will affect the smell of your breath when you exhale.
Coffee and other caffeinated beverages tend to dry out your mouth. Along with coffee’s strong smell, this can make your breath smell bad.
Alcohol also dries out the mouth. Beer, wine, and cocktails also tend to have some strong flavors and a good amount of sugar or carbohydrates, which worsens the problem.
The bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugar and simple starches. If your diet is high in sugary foods or starchy, simple carbohydrates like potato chips, bacteria will eat the bits of food in your mouth and reproduce, leading to bad breath.
Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, and lots of other things. When there’s not enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, bad breath is a common result. Try to stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth, and talk to your dentist if you think you don’t have enough saliva production.
Cigarettes and other types of tobacco have a very strong smell, and they dry out your mouth, too. Along with their other negative effects for your oral and overall health, smoking and tobacco use can lead to some seriously foul breath.
Some digestive problems like gastric reflux (GERD) can result in odors from food or even stomach acid traveling up your esophagus and into the mouth, causing bad breath or even a bad taste in your mouth. Proper treatment for your digestive issues can help you avoid bad breath.
Bad breath is not always harmful, but can sometimes be an early indicator of serious oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. So whether your breath smells or you’re just overdue for a checkup in Red Bank, Santo Dental Group is here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (732) 530-1003 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists in Red Bank, and get the care you need for a healthy mouth and fresh breath.
We look forward to meeting you. Call 732-530-1003 or schedule an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.