Bad breath, also called halitosis, takes a lot away from your social and professional image. Here’s what you can do about it.
Poor Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene causes most cases of bad breath. Bacteria builds up in the mouth over time and produce the foul smells as they eat the leftover food in your mouth. You can prevent this by simply brushing and flossing regularly and cleaning your tongue with a specially designed scraper.
Dry Mouth
If your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, that can cause bad breath. Saliva washes your mouth and keeps it clean. Medical issues can sometimes cause this dryness, and you should ask your doctor about that. You can help by eating foods like apples and carrots, or by chewing sugar-free gum, which helps you produce more saliva.
Gum Disease
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the space between the teeth and the gums. These bacteria can cause bad breath. Ask our dentist if periodontal treatment can help your bad breath.
Smoking and Tobacco
Along with other its health risks, smoking or chewing tobacco can cause bad breath. It can also make it so you can’t even tell because it also affects your sense of smell. We recommend speaking to your doctor for advice on how to quit smoking.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes the cause of halitosis is related to another medical issue. Many different conditions can cause bad breath, from a sinus infection, to liver and kidney disease, to gastric reflux, to diabetes. If Dr. Kerry Taylor rules out oral causes for your halitosis, contact your doctor for other treatment options.
If you’re having bad breath, come into Chandler Dental Excellence. Our Chandler, Arizona, dental team is eager to help you.