Are you struggling with bad breath? Perhaps a loved one carries an unpleasant odor?
Bad breath is a common problem that can be caused by natural conditions or poor dental habits. Luckily, there are ways to overcome the issue, such as teeth cleaning and a change of diet.
Formerly known as halitosis, bad breath is a condition that affects an estimated 25 percent of people. While there are many different causes of halitosis, most of the time the issue arises from poor oral hygiene.
The good news is that bad breath can be cured or prevented with a few minor tweaks. An expert dentist can offer guidance on necessary behavioral changes or even suggest medical treatment in more severe instances.
How Does Bad Breath Affect Your Life?
Some people are aware of their breath and get anxious when speaking in social situations. Others are oblivious to their oral odor, but their companions are not. Bad breath can affect both your health and your social life.
Bad breath can decrease confidence, especially in social settings, and negatively impact how you interact in social situations. The condition can also indicate that your body isn’t as healthy as it could be, and there may be a more serious issue at bay.
Dealing with bad breath can give you back your confidence, reduce anxiety and boost self-esteem. The first step is getting to the bottom of the problem.
Different Causes of Bad Breath
The majority of bad breath is caused by poor dental hygiene, however, it’s not the only cause. It’s always wise to get a professional opinion. With this in mind, here are some of the situations that can lead to halitosis.
Food and Tobacco
Eating food with strong odors can contribute to bad breath. Especially food that tends to linger. As the food is broken down in the mouth and enters the bloodstream, odors are released, especially when you exhale. It will usually stick around until all the food has passed through the body.
Common foods that cause bad breath include:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Certain spices
- Cheese
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Canned fish
Tobacco is another substance that is voluntarily consumed and can lead to an unpleasant mouth odor. In addition, tobacco can lead to gum disease which is another contributor to bad breath.
Poor Dental Hygiene
As mentioned, poor dental hygiene is one of the main causes of bad breath. It’s important to brush and floss daily in order to get rid of food particles stuck inside the mouth.
The build-up of plaque can irritate your gums and even form pockets between your gums and teeth that smell bad. It’s also common for the tongue to trap bacteria that don’t smell pleasant.
Oral hygiene is also important if you wear dentures. It’s important to carefully clean dentures on a daily basis to avoid bad smells.
Dry Mouth
Saliva has a very important job to clean the mouth and remove particles that contribute to bad breath. If you suffer from a dry mouth, then there is less saliva to clean the inside of the mouth.
The condition can be chronic, or it can occur naturally when sleeping with your mouth open. Certain medications can also contribute to dry mouth and the subsequent odor.
Oral Disease and Infections
Gum disease is a major contributor as the buildup of plaque leads to toxic bacteria. Surgical wounds that take time to heal after undergoing the likes of tooth removal can also lead to bad breath.
The Solution To Bad Breath
At Eriks Dental Group, we’re committed to offering the best dental services, helping our valued customers smile with confidence. With a range of comprehensive dental services and impressive results, we help customers build their confidence while tending to their oral health.
Contact us at 561-733-4004 to find out more about how we serve the Boynton Beach area. Alternatively, you can book a dental appointment online – and we’ll greet you with a smile!