There is no need to panic if your dentist tells you that you have halitosis, a dental condition that mainly means having bad breath. the dental term for bad breath. While many people will have bad breath from time to time, halitosis is a chronic condition that does not go away without proper treatment.
There are a variety of issues that can leave you with bad breath. While foul breath is often the result of relatively mundane issues, it can be a sign of a serious health issue. Here is a look at common causes of halitosis:
There are millions of bacteria in your mouth at any given time that can lead to bad breath. These bacteria feed on food particles on your teeth and the substances they excrete after eating have an unpleasant smell.
When your mouth is not making enough saliva, you are more susceptible to bad breath. Saliva serves as a natural cleaning agent for your mouth, washing away bacteria and the waste products they create. When your saliva glands do not produce enough saliva, your mouth will not be as clean as it needs to be.
Dry mouth can be a result of various things like issues with your saliva gland, breathing through your mouth or a side-effect of medication you take.
Bad breath can also be the result of the advanced stages of gum disease. The excess plaque accumulation when you have gum disease creates a horrid smell and taste.
No surprise here, there are certain foods that give you halitosis. Some of the common offenders include onions, garlic and coffee. Conversely, there are certain foods like peppermint leaves that will freshen your breath.
Smoking does not just leave your teeth with yellow stains, it can also leave you with dragon breath. Smoking tobacco also reduces your ability to smell and taste things. Smoking tobacco can irritate your gums, putting you at an increased risk of getting gum disease.
Smokers are often not aware of how bad their breath smells due to their decreased ability to smell.
There are certain health conditions like infections that can lead to bad breath. Gastric reflux disease, sinus conditions, kidney disease, liver issues and diabetes can also lead to halitosis. If your bad breath is a symptom of one of these ailments, you will need to address that before restoring your normal breath.
The best way to keep halitosis away is by having good oral hygiene habits. Things you should be doing regularly include brushing twice a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Brush your teeth at least twice per day to help prevent plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. If plaque remains on your teeth for prolonged periods, the bacteria inside your mouth will feast on it and excrete acids that cause tooth decay and bad breath. Make sure you clean your tongue when you brush.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash will help you reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Contact St. George Dental Care to learn more about keeping your breath fresh.
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George dental office.
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