Bad Breath – Causes & Fixes

Nobody wants to be near someone with bad breath. Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be a leading cause of failed social interactions. Fortunately, there are many simple self-care solutions that will help you treat and prevent bad breath.

Some Common Causes Of Bad Breath Include:

• Food
  The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor.
• Tobacco products
  Smoking by itself can cause its own form of bad breath. Tobacco use can also contribute to gum disease, which can be another source of bad breath.
• Poor dental hygiene
  If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. The tongue can also trap odor-causing bacteria.
• Dry mouth
  Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that cause bad odors. So dry mouth can lead to bad breath.
• Medications
  Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Others can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.

Some Simple Solutions Treat Bad Breath Include:

• Brush and floss regularly
  Brushing and flossing regularly will help reduce the bacteria buildup on your teeth and will help remove decaying food particles, both of which will help with bad breath.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
  Staying hydrated is an important part of avoiding dry mouth. It helps keep your saliva production at a healthy level.
• Brush your tongue
  Your tongue can trap odor causing bacteria, and brushing your tongue will help reduce this buildup leading to better breath,
• Adjust your diet
  Eating healthier foods will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
• Reduce or eliminate tobacco product consumption
  Reducing your tobacco consumption will reduce the tobacco smell on your breath, and can also help reduce the risk of gum disease.

If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits and make adjustments as needed. Be sure you are brushing and flossing regularly and drinking plenty of water.

If simple self-care techniques don’t solve the problem, contact Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental today and schedule an appointment to be sure a more serious condition isn’t causing your bad breath.