Bad breath is an embarrassing problem that sends many people to the dentist in search of a solution. Also called halitosis, this problem can keep you from enjoying a rich social life. While you can cover it with gum and mints, getting to the root of the problem is always better. Lovett Dental Humble will help you find the causes of bad breath problems, so you can treat them.
Poor Dental Hygiene
If you aren’t brushing and flossing daily, you are leaving food particles behind in your mouth. As these start to rot, they develop sticky bacteria called plaque. The plaque can fill pockets between your teeth and gums, and the bacteria will produce noticeable odors. Similarly, if you don’t have regular professional cleanings, the plaque, and its resulting odor, can continue to build up. A professional cleaning at the dentist followed by good oral care at home will help clear up this bad breath cause.
Mouth Infections
Not all causes of bad breath involve plaque. Sometimes, the issue is far more serious. Chronic bad breath could come from infections in your mouth. If improving your brushing and flossing does not clear up your halitosis, schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out any mouth infections. Also, if you notice an increase in bad breath combined with pain somewhere in your mouth, it’s time to give your dentist a call. You may need some help from the periodontist to clear the infection.
The Foods You Eat
What you eat impacts your breath, but most food smells are easy to remove with a quick brushing. However, some foods create more of a problem with than others, including:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Strong spices
These foods don’t just make your mouth smell bad until you brush. They actually enter your bloodstream and enter the lungs, so the bad breath comes from deep within your body. You can use gum or mints to help cover the smell, but this cause will simply need time to pass.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is one of the common causes of bad breath. Saliva helps cleanse the mouth, and when you have low saliva levels, you can suffer from sour-smelling breath. This is why many people struggle with bad breath in the mornings, but it can happen other times of the day as well. If you suspect you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist about what the cause could be.
Medications
Certain medications can cause dry mouth, and this dry mouth can then cause bad breath. Other medications cause chemical changes in the body. You might smell those chemical changes on your breath. If you’re on medication, talk to your doctor or dentist.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use can contribute to bad breath problems. Tobacco that you consume orally, either through smoking or chewing, increases your risk of a lot of problems. In addition to mouth cancer and lung cancer, you may develop bad breath. It also increases your risk of gum disease. Gum disease can increase the risk of bad breath problems.
Do You Have One of these Causes of Bad Breath?
If you’re struggling with bad breath due to one of these problems, help is available. Contact the team at Lovett Dental Humble to discuss treatment for these conditions. Our dental team can help you determine the cause of your halitosis, and provide proven solutions. Call 281-441-9000 to schedule an appointment with Lovett Dental Humble today.
