5 Things That Could Be Causing Your Bad Breath

Not everyone knows when they have bad breath. You may go about your day smiling and talking without a care in the world, but other people experience your bad breath – and one or more of them may alert you to it, especially the people you love most. There are easy fixes for halitosis – the technical term for bad breath – but to correct this problem you need to see your dentist so they can determine the cause first.

1. The Foods You Eat

The foods you eat absolutely affect the freshness of your breath. If you’ve doubled down on a garlic bagel, several cups of coffee, and anything with onions, you’ll have temporary bad breath. If this is the true cause of the problem, a thorough flossing and brushing should get you back to where you need to be.

2. Oral Health Problems

The most difficult source of halitosis for someone to identify is tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist, however, can diagnose these problems right away. And if they’re present, there’s a good chance they are having an impact on the quality of your breath.

Tooth decay is the result of bacteria and plaque eating away at your enamel and the longer it goes without a tooth-colored filling or porcelain crown, the longer you’re likely to have halitosis. Bad breath is also a major sign of gum disease, which starts slowly as gingivitis but inevitably grows without intervention.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Sometimes halitosis is simply caused by a lack of good oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, you’ll develop a build-up of bacteria which leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and other infections. It’s also critical to see your dentist every six months for a checkup and thorough professional cleaning.

4. Smoking

Smokers have a tell, and it’s their breath. Not only does halitosis reign for people who are devoted to tobacco, teeth can suffer stains and damage that require professional dental repairs. Smoking also puts you at higher risk for developing oral cancer, a dangerous disease that is usually only caught by an experienced dentist who recognizes the symptoms.

5. Medication

The types of medications people take are often responsible for causing dry mouth. This lack of saliva production is a major reason bad breath develops. Your dentist may encourage you to ask your doctor for a different prescription, if possible. Otherwise, you can work together to improve saliva production or increase the number of dental visits to keep teeth free from extra plaque and buildup.

Get Help for Your Bad Breath in Chandler

Halitosis is caused by bacteria that develop in the tongue and throat. This ongoing oral health problem needs a dentist’s help to correct the complications. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment at Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, to discuss what’s going on, get a thorough cleaning, and find out what to do to improve the freshness of your smile.