Going to dinner with old friends or introducing yourself to a new co-worker are the types of social settings that can make a person who suffers from bad breath very insecure or uncomfortable. But more than that, bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition that needs to be addressed if your bad breath is constant. By looking a little closer to what is the cause and what it could mean, you will be able to know when you need to talk to your dentist or doctor to find the right treatment for your bad breath.

Causes and solutions

Chronic bad breath can be caused by many different things from simple habits that can be easily corrected to a symptom of a more serious health condition. Knowing what is the source of your bad breath may help you think through ways to improve your breath.

The type of food you eat can have a huge impact on the smell of your breath. If you frequently eat foods with garlic and onions, your bad breath may be coming from these pungent foods. Drinking coffee frequently can contribute to odors. Changing your diet or using mouthwash after eating these foods will improve your breath.

Food debris left between teeth or stuck to your tonsils can cause bad breath. Cleaning your mouth properly through brushing or flossing, and occasionally gargling saltwater, will eliminate your bad breath.

If you have plaque on the backsides of your teeth, you may not notice it. But bacteria thrive in this sticky, unbrushed substance and it can be quite odorous. Good oral hygiene will keep the plaque in check but routine dental cleanings will give you another set of eyes on your teeth to be sure they are really clean and odor-free.

The mouth has many different kinds of bacteria living in it all the time, regardless of oral hygiene habits. Some types of bacteria that live at the back of the tongue can cause a bad odor.

Tobacco products like cigarettes can have a negative impact on your overall health and can also cause bad breath. Quitting this habit will be beneficial in several ways, including improving your breath.

Like with plaque, the bacteria in conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis can smell badly and if left untreated, can even cause bone loss and loss of teeth. This is another reason for regular visits with your dentist to address gum disease.

If you constantly snore at night, bad breath can be a symptom. Snoring in itself can be a symptom of sleep apnea and needs to be addressed anyway. Talking with your doctor or dentist about being fitted with an oral device or a CPAP will benefit your health and your breath.

Allergies or sinus infections could be the cause of your bad breath, not originating in your mouth but rather in your nose. Addressing this issue will allow your bad breath to go away as a side effect.

Saliva can play a huge role in the cleanliness of the mouth. If you suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth, your mouth may not be making enough saliva to clean itself from food debris. You may have dry mouth because you breathe through your mouth primarily, you may be on medication that is the cause, or you have a salivary gland disorder.

If the cause of your bad breath is unclear, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for help in identifying and recommending a solution for you. If you are in St. Augustine, FL, give the friendly staff at Dental Remedies a call today!