If you are dealing with bad breath, you are not alone, it is estimated that 1 in 4 suffer from bad breath, also known as Halitosis. Embarrassing as it may be the good news is that it is a problem that is often easy to fix.
What causes bad breath? There are several factors that can contribute to bad breath such as food, tobacco products, poor dental hygiene, health problems, dental problems, or medications.
How to fight bad breath? Food is a main source of bad breath. If you are eating odorous foods such as onions, garlic, spicy foods, and the sort, then masking it can be simple as using a mouth wash or chewing sugar free gum. If it is due to smoking or chewing tobacco, then the best choice would be to quit. The chemicals that are remain in the mouth from smoking and chewing tobacco can do far more worse damage then bad breath. They can cause gum disease or even oral cancers.
Make sure you’re brushing and flossing regularly since food particles can stick to your teeth and rot and cause bad odors, not to mention it leads to buildup in plaque which also makes a stinky odor of its own. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease or even worse periodontitis. If you are not sure if you are brushing and flossing properly please ask us, we will be happy to demonstrate proper techniques.
Health problems, such as sinus infections, stomach problems, liver diseases or kidney diseases can also cause bad breath. If you suspect that it could be a health problem, make sure you visit your primary care doctor and discuss your symptoms and concerns. This will help you address health issues quickly before they become major problems.
If you are in overall good health and have persistent bad breath then poor dental health could be the cause. Cavities, gum disease, or impacted teeth can cause bad breath. Schedule an appointment if you suspect that these could be a reason for bad breath. An oral examine can help rule out and point out causes for bad breath.
Keep in mind, most of the time bad breath can be cured and prevented with proper oral hygiene. See your doctor regularly to ensure you are in good health. Also make sure you visit your dentist at least 2x a year to make sure your dental health is at its best!