A smile with straight, white teeth is always attractive, but even the most beautiful smile becomes a turn off when bad breath is involved. Bad breath, which is medically referred to as halitosis, is a very embarrassing condition that affects millions each year. Dealing with bad breath is truly frustrating and can lead to embarrassment. Simply brushing your teeth, despite popular belief, is not enough to rid yourself of bad breath.
What are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Bad breath is triggered by odor-producing bacteria. People who don’t brush or floss their teeth on a regular basis accumulate more bacteria that makes them prone to halitosis. To avoid this problem, you need to be strict with your dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing after meals and using mouthwash will ensure maximum dental health. However, lack of dental hygiene isn’t the only cause of bad breath. Ingesting foods with foul odor like onions, garlic and pickles can also cause your breath to stink. In order to avoid bad breath, it’s best to avoid foods that have pungent oils that can trigger foul odor.
A person can tell a lot about their health by the condition of their mouth. Halitosis is usually a symptom of a more severe problem. Gum disease, which is an inflammatory disease, and tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria, can provoke or worsen bad breath. If you notice red, inflamed gums, bad odor or rotting teeth, it is best to visit a dentist to have that checked out. Other common causes of halitosis include the following examples: diabetes, digestive problems, sinusitis, respiratory track problems and infections.
How to Treat Bad Breath
Bad breath can be a troublesome and embarrassing problem. If you have this condition, you don’t have to worry because there are several ways you can address the problem. The first thing that you need to do is regularly brush and floss your teeth because doing so will reduce the amount of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to scrub your tongue because a lot of bacteria accumulates there.
A great way to improve your breath is to regularly chew on breath mints or gum. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on breath mints or gum; you also need to use mouthwash and floss. Another thing you need to do if you want to rid yourself of bad breath is quit smoking. In addition to causing heart disease and lung cancer, the nicotine and chemicals in cigarettes contribute to a smelly mouth. Cigarettes are also one of the main causes of oral and gum infections, not to mention the leading cause of oral cancer.
Lastly, if your bad breath doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do, your best bet is to visit a dentist. They can do a thorough examination of your mouth and pinpoint the cause of your halitosis. You can also get a deep cleaning from your dentist that can eliminate unwanted odor.
A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen
2030 West Main St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
