We are almost certain that you are aware of bad breath, and that, at some point, you might have felt ashamed of it. But what is the source of it? It is crucial that you know what causes foul breath and how to avoid the embarrassment that comes with it. Continue reading to learn the causes of bad breath and how to overcome your fear of getting too close to others.
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Conditions
Bad breath can be caused by sinusitis, breathing problems, and tonsillitis, and believe it or not, diabetes. For these illnesses, your doctor will more than likely prescribe medication, since they can exacerbate dry mouth as well as bad breath. If you have side effects that are bothering you, discuss it with your doctor.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
Dry mouth is caused by inadequate saliva, which can be a side effect of breathing through your mouth, smoking, or medications. It can also be a sign of a more serious medical problem. Consult your dentist about the best ways to treat dry mouth and the resultant foul breath.
Microorganisms
Bacteria cannot be eradicated from your mouth without thorough brushing, flossing, and frequent dental checkups. Bad breath can result from the accumulation of this slimy bacteria. Brushing at least two times a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your La Jolla dentist on a regular basis are all recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Dental Issues
Dental problems such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, or cavities can produce bad breath. Bad breath can also be caused by overcrowded teeth or poorly-fitted dental equipment. Consult your dentist to screen out potential dental health issues.
Nicotine
Tobacco use as well as smoking will not only produce foul breath, but they can also cause oral cancer, discoloration of teeth, and aggravate gums. To lessen the negative consequences, consider avoiding tobacco products.
Food
Certain foods that we consume can cause us to have foul breath for a short period of time. Aromatic foods, onions, and garlic, for example, can leave your mouth feeling a little foul-smelling. For fresh breath, use mouthwash and brush your teeth routinely. Also, consider chewing sugar-free gum.
Excessive Amounts of Sugar
Diets with too much sugar can also result in bad breath. This is due to the way sugar interacts with microbes in your mouth. Sugar is consumed by bacteria in your mouth, which turns sweet delicacies into sour odors.
Certain Medications
Dry mouth is an adverse effect of a wide variety of prescription drugs. The habitat for odor-causing bacteria flourishes with dry mouth and saliva production is reduced. Cottonmouth can be uncomfortable and create bad breath if it occurs for a lengthy amount of time. Additionally, when certain medications are metabolized in the body, chemicals are released that can travel through your bloodstream and into your lungs. This, unfortunately, also promotes bad breath.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Impaired digestion and bowel issues can all result in an unpleasant breath odor. If you have acid reflux, on a regular basis, odors from previously eaten meals may enter the esophagus. Those odors, eventually, leaves out the mouth, resulting in bad breath.
Taking Care of Bad Breath
To remedy foul breath, you must first determine what is causing it. Being upfront about your habits and behaviors with your dentist is the first step. This will help your dentist determine the best strategy to eliminate bad breath. This is also the greatest way to find the underlying cause of it. Leading a tobacco-free lifestyle, maintaining a proper dental health care routine, and, obviously, visiting your dentist every six months, will help you avoid bad breath. General dentistry services, such as routine cleanings and examinations, are available to help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums.