Bad breath can affect the best of us after a potent meal. But if bad breath persists and becomes chronic, you might have an underlying health condition. Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, might need to be evaluated by a dentist to determine its cause and to resolve this symptom.
In many cases, you can get rid of halitosis with your oral hygiene routine. But sometimes, it may linger for more complicated reasons. Improve your chances in your battle against bad breath by knowing the causes of this symptom. Read on to discover four of the primary contributors to bad-smelling breath.
4 Common Causes of Halitosis
Consuming Strong Foods
Most people will develop bad breath due to the foods and beverages they consume. Lingering food particles in your mouth will start to break down if they remain on your smile. This can produce a disruptive smell, but you can usually brush your teeth or rinse with water to freshen your breath.
But certain strong foods like onions or garlic will transfer their fragrant oils to your bloodstream and therefore to your lungs. This can leave you with bad-smelling breath that can last for longer than a day, despite oral hygiene efforts. Pay attention to your diet to ensure you do not frequently consume food items that cause this effect.
Poor Oral Habits
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria that create a film of plaque over your teeth throughout the day. You remove this plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, but if you skimp on your oral hygiene regimen, plaque will stay stuck to your teeth. It can generate an odor that will give you bad breath.
Stick to a proper oral hygiene routine which should include flossing daily and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Other poor oral habits like smoking or chewing tobacco may exacerbate halitosis. So take care of your smile and keep your breath smelling and feeling fresh.
Dry Mouth
Have you ever noticed a sticky, dry feeling in your mouth? This could be dry mouth, a condition that occurs when you see a decrease in saliva production. This environment allows bacteria to spread freely across your teeth, putting your smile at risk of halitosis and other dental problems.
Dry mouth often develops due to dehydration, so drink plenty of water to keep your smile clean and healthy. However, if dry mouth persists, contact your dentist as this could stem from another underlying dental concern.
Gum Disease
Gum disease refers to a common type of infection within the gum tissue. Many people will notice swelling, redness, or bleeding in their gums during the early stage of this disease, gingivitis.
But as the disease progresses, bacteria will build up in the pockets of the gums. This can result in a foul odor that will present on your breath. Practice good oral hygiene to reduce your risk of gum disease. And seek urgent periodontal therapy from your dentist if you notice any issues with your gums.