Bad Breath is Bad
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a dental condition that can have several adverse effects. If you suffer from bad breath, it can affect your self-confidence as well as your personal and professional relationships.
There are many products like chewing gum, mouthwashes, and mints available to alleviate bad breath. However, these products don’t offer a permanent solution. Halitosis is usually the result of an underlying dental problem, and you may need professional dental care to address its root cause.
What Causes Extra Bad Breath?
Possible causes of bad breath include the following:
- Poor dental hygiene that results in the accumulation of plaque, tooth decay, or gum disease
- Food particles around the teeth that result in bacteria formation
- Consumption of tobacco products that causes unpleasant mouth odours
- Inactive salivary glands, causing dry mouth or xerostomia
- Medications that cause dry mouth or the release of chemicals in your mouth
- Oral infections after surgery, for example, after a tooth removal
- Chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses, or throat
- Other conditions such as cancer or metabolic disorders can also cause bad breath
What Can I Do About It?
The first step is to evaluate your oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once a day. As part of maintaining your oral health, visit your dentist at least once every six months.
Stay away from foods such as onions, garlic, and red wine. Additionally, refrain from smoking or using tobacco products as these may dry your mouth and allow bacteria to grow and release smelly byproducts.
In most cases, proper dental hygiene is the most effective way to address bad breath. However, if you are on medication that causes xerostomia (dry mouth), increasing your water intake can also help. If the problem persists, consult with your dental healthcare provider.
Talk to Rockingham Dental Centre Today
Don’t allow halitosis to affect your quality of life. Talk to Rockingham Dental Centre. Our dentists will be able to find the primary cause of your halitosis and recommend a practical course of action.
Rockingham Dental Centre is committed to patient-first dental care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
