Causes of Bad Breath to Watch Out For

Everyone has bad breath from time to time.  What matters is whether you can pinpoint the cause of your bad breath and take the appropriate actions to prevent it from happening again.  Here is a look at the causes of bad breath.

Some common causes of bad breath

Dry Mouth

If the mouth does not make ample saliva, then it will feel parched.  Saliva is essential to wash and clean the mouth throughout the day.  The mouth will not produce saliva when during sleep.  Dry mouth can also result from medications, issues with salivary glands and breathing through the mouth.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking stains the teeth, makes breath smell terrible and increases the risk for an array of health problems.  The use of tobacco lessens the ability to taste food as it should taste.  Furthermore, tobacco use irritates the gums.

If an individual smokes, then there is a good chance this destructive habit will impact one's sense of smell so the individual will not have any idea of how bad his or her breath smells.  When someone stops smoking, he or she will notice how much better the breath smells.

Bacteria

The presence of bacteria in the mouth can cause bad breath.  The mouth serves as a natural hothouse of sorts that facilitates the growth of bacteria.  As one eats, the bacteria will consume the bits of food remaining in the mouth and leave nasty-smelling waste behind.

Food and Beverages

The foods and drinks one consumes will impact the smell of the breath.  If you consume odorous foods and beverages like fish, garlic, onions, coffee, wine and tomato sauce, your breath will also be odorous.

Gum Disease

If bad breath does not go away or if an individual has a consistent bad taste in his or her mouth, it is a sign of advanced gum disease.  Gum disease is due to the sticky bacteria known as plaque.

Medical Conditions

If someone has an infection in the mouth, it might cause bad breath.  It is also possible for gastric reflux, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes and sinus conditions to lead to bad breath.

The Failure to Brush and Floss With Regularity

People should brush and floss their teeth two times each day.  Clean between their chompers and space by the gum line to eliminate all of that gross-smelling bacteria and bits of food that lead to bad breath.  Do not forget to clean your tongue, your cheeks and the roof of your mouth.

Bacteria reside in these portions of your mouth as well as your teeth and gums.  If you experience a gag reflex when brushing your tongue, do not skip over it.  Use a tongue scraper to perform a thorough cleaning of your tongue from back to front.

The Failure to use Mouthwash

Mouthwash does wonders for bad breath.  Today's mouthwashes are advanced to the point that they can destroy bacteria and mask nasty-smelling breath.  However, mouthwash is merely a temporary solution.

The manner in which you care for your teeth and the regularity of your visits to the dentist ultimately determine whether your mouth smells good, functions as it should and remains beautiful in the years to come.

Call us at (951) 707-4366 for more information from Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Hemet.