Is bad breath bringing you down? In this article, we will be discussing bad breath in detail and the ways in which you can resolve the issue. If you are suffering from chronic bad breath, it is time to take a trip to your dental clinic in Prince Albert, to determine the cause.
So first things first, what is bad breath? Bad breath, also called halitosis is an unpleasant smell that radiates from your mouth. It may occur on occasion, but it can also be a chronic condition that you struggle with daily. For example, your bad breath may simply be caused by your diet, but it could also be the result of poor oral hygiene and underlying medical conditions.
Bad Breath: Common Causes and Health Risk Factors
Garlic and onions are not the only cause of your bad breath. Halitosis can be attributed to:
Food: Some foods, can cause bad breath and leave a lasting smell in your mouth or become lodged between your teeth. When food becomes trapped between your teeth, it promotes bacteria and dental plaque growth, causing a foul odour. Remember, your mouth is not a compost bin, left-over food needs to be removed by proper brushing and flossing, otherwise, the smell will continue to linger.
The following are some foods and beverages that can cause your breath to smell funky…
• Spicy foods (curry)
• Cheese
• Fish
• Acidic beverages
• Coffee
Tobacco: When you smoke or chew tobacco, the chemicals from these products can remain in your mouth. Not only that, smoking can lead to gum disease and oral cancer which are other causes of bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene: If you are not brushing or flossing your teeth, food particles will reside in your mouth and rot. Neglecting your oral care regimen can cause plaque buildup which creates an unpleasant smell in your mouth. Not only that, plaque buildup on your teeth can result in an unhealthy condition known as gum disease. Hardened plaque is called tartar, which harbours bacteria that are known for irritating the gums and causing periodontitis.
Health Issues: Bad breath is associated with:
• Pneumonia
• Sore throat
• Sinus infections
• Diabetes
• Acid reflux
• Stomach indigestions issues
• Liver diseases
• Kidney diseases
For you to treat your bad breath, you will need to address the above health concerns first if any apply to you.
Dry Mouth: This condition is also referred to as xerostomia or dry mouth. Since salvia helps to moisten and cleanse your mouth, if your body does not produce sufficient saliva, it may result in bad breath. Additionally, salivary gland issues, connective tissue disorders, medications and breathing through your mouth can lead to dry mouth.
Medications: Certain medications such as antihistamines and diuretics can dry your mouth out, which can lead to bad breath.
Signs and Symptoms Associated with Bad Breath
Now that we listed the top causes of bad breath it is time to talk about the signs and symptoms associated to it. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, visit a dentist near you for treatment. Other than noticing a displeasing smell coming from your mouth, other symptoms include:
• An unpleasant odour or sour taste in your mouth.
• A dry mouth.
• A coating on your tongue.
If you have halitosis, the first stop to make should be at the dental office near you. Your dentist will examine your mouth and if no issues are found, they will refer you to a practitioner to determine if there are any underlying health problems. Do not let bad breath get in the way of living your best life, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!