bad breath

Bad breath happens to everyone. In fact, the American Dental Association has done studies that found at least 50% of adults have bad breath, or halitosis, at some time in their lives.

Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

There are any number of reasons you might find yourself with a case of “dragon breath.”  Many of them are harmless and simple to resolve, but there are times bad breath can be a sign of something more serious.

  • Feeling a little parched? Dry mouth occurs when your mouth isn't producing enough saliva. Saliva plays a big role in your dental health, working around the clock to wash out your mouth. The most common causes of dry mouth are breathing through your mouth, salivary gland problems, and certain medications like those for allergies, asthma, anxiety, and Parkinson's disease.
  • It could just be something you ate. Strong foods like garlic, onions, sodas, and coffee, for example, all affect the air you exhale. On the flip side, intense dieting can cause ketoacidosis, a breakdown of chemicals that occurs during fasting, giving you bad breath.
  • Cigarettes and other tobacco products can dry your mouth and result in bad breath, too. If you smoke, another good reason to stop is that you're also at a greater risk of developing gum disease and/or oral cancers.
  • There are scores of bad breath causing bacteria that live in your mouth. When these bacteria interact with certain foods left in your mouth they can leave an offensive-smelling waste product behind.
  • Persistent halitosis, especially if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, can be a warning of advanced gum disease caused by plaque.

There is a host of respiratory, throat, nose, and other conditions that are associated with bad breath. Sinus infections, nasal polyps, post nasal drip, lung infections, certain digestive problems, and diabetes can all contribute to the problem.

Of course, a mouth infection can also cause stinky breath. But if a trip to the dentist rules out dental issues and you’re vigilant about home dental hygiene, it's time to talk to your healthcare provider about what may be causing the issue.

How Do I Keep Bad Breath Away?

If your bad breath isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition, simply making sure you brush at least twice a day and regularly floss to get rid of all that bacteria could be your ticket to sweet smelling breath. Don't forget to brush the back of your tongue, the place where a lot of bad breath bacteria can be found.

If you're a denture wearer, make sure you thoroughly clean them every night. Giving up smoking and keeping your mouth sufficiently moist by drinking lots of water and eating more fruits can be beneficial. You may also want to avoid foods and beverages that you know cause bad breath, including alcohol.

Of course, regularly scheduled visits with your dentist and twice-yearly cleanings are perfect opportunities to detect any oral problems such as dry mouth or gum disease and stop them before they become more serious.

To learn more about the causes and cures for bad breath and to schedule an appointment, contact us today. Your mouth will thank you.