When you struggle with cavities, bad breath, staining, and other dental problems, it can impact your overall health and wellbeing. Struggling with dental problems can make you avoid smiling and impact other areas of your life. Practicing proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent most dental conditions such as cavities, infections, and gum disease, and can eliminate the causes of bad breath.
Brushing is so important because it removes harmful bacteria from your mouth. Food particles and bacteria can cause plaque and tartar buildup, which damages the enamel of your teeth. Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad breath, while other conditions like gum disease can also play a role in bad breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
So, what are the most common causes of bad breath, and how can you prevent it? The main causes of bad breath involve failing to brush and floss regularly. Bacteria naturally reside in your mouth and help break down food. However, failing to brush and floss causes particles and bacteria to remain in your mouth and between your teeth. Bacteria feed off of the food that is left in your mouth after you eat, which releases acid and can lead to bad breath.
Several other causes of bad breath include:
- Smoking and using tobacco products
- Gum disease
- Certain foods, like onions and garlic
- Medical conditions, like diabetes
- Persistent dry mouth
The causes of bad breath are typically easy to treat and prevent. Bacteria and other particles can also accumulate on your tongue, especially if the area is difficult to reach while brushing. Dry mouth can cause bad breath because your mouth uses your saliva to regularly wash out your mouth. A lack of saliva prevents your mouth from performing functions that purge bacteria, which leads to bad breath.
How Is Bad Breath Treated?
When you suffer from one of the common causes of bad breath, working with your Splendid Dental Bellaire dentist is the best way to address the underlying cause. One of the best ways your dentist can help you address bad breath is by performing cleanings. A deep clean of your mouth removes particles trapped in hard to reach places like your teeth and gums. Your dentist also removes plaque and tartar during annual exams, which limits the severity of bad breath.
If you have dentures, it is important to remember to clean them regularly. Dentures can accumulate bacteria and food particles, which is why removing and cleaning them at least several days a week is an effective way to prevent bad breath. Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can help remove additional bacteria and reduce bad breath.
If you have persistent dry mouth, your dentist may evaluate whether your saliva glands are producing enough saliva. You can also use products like Biotene to address dry mouth, which can reduce bad breath. Sometimes, untreated infections can lead to bad breath, which makes early intervention by a dentist important.
Preventing tooth decay is another way to address bad breath. When tooth decay is untreated, it can lead to gum disease. During gum disease, your gums pull away from your teeth, leaving large areas for bacteria to enter. Professional gum cleanings can purge bacteria from your gumlines, which can eliminate your bad breath.
You can also make simple lifestyle changes if you have bad breath. Avoiding certain foods and beverages is a good start. If you use tobacco products, quitting can not only improve your physical health but can limit or eliminate your bad breath.
Treat the Causes of Bad Breath Now at Splendid Dental Bellaire
When you experience bad breath, you can feel embarrassed. However, most cases of bad breath are easy to treat, especially at home. Implementing a proper oral hygiene routine and remembering to brush and floss daily is essential to not only prevent tooth decay and other diseases but also to prevent bad breath.
If you are struggling with persistent bad breath and would like to schedule an appointment, reach out to Splendid Dental Bellaire today at 713-244-7797
