Everyone has had the occasional brush with bad breath, a condition known as halitosis. However, some people battle with that not-so-fresh feeling day after day. The good news is that some lifestyle changes and a little help from your trusted team at Dental Care of Greensboro will provide the relief you need and give you the confidence to get up close and personal!
What Are the Leading Causes of Bad Breath?
Poor Dental Hygiene: Most cases of halitosis result from poor oral hygiene. Neglecting to brush and floss regularly may lead to tooth decay and gum disease, two leading causes of bad breath.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva helps keep the mouth clean and fresh by flushing out food particles and bacteria. So when its production decreases, odor-causing bacteria have an ideal environment to flourish.
Odor-Causing Foods: Consuming certain foods, such as garlic and onions, allows odor-causing particles to enter the bloodstream and make their way to the lungs, emitting an unfortunate odor when you exhale. Breath fresheners temporarily mask the smell, which can only disappear when these foods pass through the body.
Smoking: Smoking leads to bad breath and many serious oral health problems. Not only does it leave your mouth smelling like an ashtray, but it also increases the risk of dry mouth and gum disease, two leading causes of halitosis.
Diet Programs: High-protein diets can cause bad breath because they are hard to digest, releasing sulfurous gases when they don’t metabolize. Very low carbohydrate diet programs can also cause bad breath because ketones are released as the fats break down, resulting in a strong odor.
Health Conditions: Bad breath can be a warning sign of poor digestion, acid reflux, postnasal drip, respiratory infections, sinus problems, tonsil stones, diabetes, liver problems, kidney disease, and more.
Medications: Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath. Moreover, some medications break down and release chemicals that travel through the bloodstream to your breath.
How Can You Treat Bad Breath?
Combating bad breath starts with proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Also, clean your tongue to remove any food particles or odor-causing bacteria.
Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated. If you have dry mouth, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy will help stimulate saliva production. It also helps to limit your consumption of odor-causing foods, caffeine, and alcohol and to refrain from smoking.
If your bad breath persists, make sure to visit Dental Care of Greensboro. We will evaluate your oral health and treat any dental problems, such as cavities or infections. We may also refer you to your primary care physician to rule out any health issues that may be the cause of your condition.
Quality Dental Care in Greensboro
Visit Dental Care of Greensboro to learn more about maintaining a clean and odor-free smile. We encourage you to schedule your twice-a-year preventive dental exams and cleanings to avoid developing halitosis-causing oral health problems. Call us and schedule your appointment today!