Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is something that most people experience from time to time. However, persistent halitosis could be a sign of an underlying dental condition.
There are numerous causes of bad breath, but the most common ones are:
Improper Tooth Brushing
Proper brushing is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene, but many people fail to do it properly. When someone brushes their teeth too forcefully or uses a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard, it can cause abrasion to the tooth enamel. Over time, this wear can expose the sensitive underlying dentin layer, causing discomfort and bad breath. In some people, poor dental hygiene habits can lead to a condition called “dry mouth,” in which there is not enough saliva to coat the mouth and wash away food particles that cause odor.
Gum Disease
If you have advanced gum disease, you could be dealing with bad breath that is caused by the buildup of bacteria in plaque and tartar that hasn’t yet been removed. The bacteria causes your gumline to recede, leaving parts of your tooth exposed and causing foul odors from your mouth.
If the disease is left untreated or isn’t resolved with periodontal treatment, it will continue to worsen over time and cause more health problems like tooth loss or the advancement of infection in other areas of the body.
Dietary Factors
Diet is one of the most significant factors affecting your breath, and you may notice that your bad breath improves if you cut down or eliminate certain foods from your diet. Foods high in sugar tend to promote tooth decay, so cut back on candy, cakes, and other desserts. Also, limit the amount of soda or alcohol you drink, as these beverages can dry out your mouth and cause an unpleasant odor. Try to limit your intake of garlic and onions as well, as both these foods are very strong and can have a strong effect on your breath. Dairy products can also increase your risk for bad breath, so you may want to cut back or eliminate these from your diet.
Acknowledging that diet can be a big part of your bad breath is the first step to improving your oral health.
If you would like to learn more about bad breath, speak to our dentist today to schedule a consultation. Visit Caspian Dental Center at 410 Park Grove Dr., Katy, TX 77450, or call us at 832-321-4901 now.
