Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a common problem. Bad breath has a number of possible causes: sinus infections and digestive problems can cause the problem. But at least 80% of bad breath is caused from dental disease and periodontal disease (gum disease) is one of the most common.
Bad breath that does not go away is a common symptom of gum disease and is one of the most frequently reported symptoms by our patients. If this is a problem you struggle with please contact our office for a consultation. We would love to help!
More Causes of Bad Breath
Food: Some foods carry a strong odor that will linger on the breath after eating them. Garlic, onions, cheese, spicy foods and fish are common culprits of bad breath. Although brushing, flossing, gargling with mouthwash or chewing gum and mints may help to lessen the odor, bad breath will not go away until the body fully metabolizes the food.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly can cause smelly bacteria to grow and live between the teeth and gums. Bacteria also live on the tongue. To prevent bad breath, practice good oral hygiene and use a tongue scraper and anti-bacterial mouthwash every day.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking and chewing smokeless tobacco will cause bad breath. These habits are also dangerous to overall health, can irritate the gum line and disrupt the normal functioning of the taste buds.
Bad breath can also be a symptom of oral yeast infections, tooth decay, dentures and appliances, dry mouth and infections of the sinus, kidneys, respiratory tract, kidney and liver disease, diabetes and acid reflux.
The best way to prevent bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene every day. Brush and floss regularly and also visit your dental care professional for regular cleanings and oral exams. Avoid tobacco and try increasing fluids to address bad address caused by dry mouth. Keeping a dietary log may also be helpful to identifying foods that could be causing bad breath.
If you have bad breath, let’s find out why. Call Drs. Daniel and Gaydos-Daniel, specialists in the middle Tennessee area and schedule a consultation to prevent bad breath from getting worse.