Bad-smelling breath can feel very disruptive and make you self-conscious. It can happen to the best of us every once in a while, and you can usually get rid of this problem with oral hygiene efforts.
But sometimes bad breath becomes chronic, and in these cases, it might stem from a larger health concern. If this sounds familiar, you should talk to your dentist about diagnosing the cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis. They can get your mouth to feel fresh and healthy again. Read on to learn about four concerns that could lead to the formation of bad breath.
What Factors Lead to Bad Breath?
Consuming Strong Foods
A common cause of bad-smelling breath is the foods and beverages people consume. After a meal, food particles can linger in your mouth and start to decay. This will produce a smell and taste that can feel uncomfortable as well as noticeable.
You can brush your teeth or rinse with water or mouthwash to get rid of these particles and freshen your breath. But certain strong foods like garlic or onions will transfer their fragrant oils to your bloodstream and thus your lungs, leaving you with bad breath that can last for longer than a day. Pay attention to your diet to ensure you do not consume foods that have this effect.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Your mouth has natural bacteria that will form a film of plaque over your teeth throughout your day. This build-up will eat away at your dental structure, putting you at risk of many dental problems. But plaque also creates an odor that leaves you with bad breath.
To get rid of plaque, you will need to practice good oral hygiene. This will entail flossing daily and brushing your teeth at least twice per day. Take proper care of your smile to ensure your mouth stays clean, fresh, and healthy.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth feels sticky and dry, often due to a decline in saliva production. This will create an environment where bacteria can spread easily throughout the mouth, heightening your risk for dental problems and increasing the chances of bad breath.
To fight dry mouth, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dry mouth can also happen as a side effect of certain medications or health issues. So talk to your dentist if you notice dry mouth becomes chronic.
Gum Disease
Gum disease refers to a fairly common infection of your gum tissue. With this disease, you could notice inflammation, bleeding, or swelling in your gums. It can create pockets between the gums and teeth where plaque, tartar, and food particles can accumulate.
This build-up can generate an odor that will reflect on your breath. To keep gum disease at bay, you should practice proper oral hygiene. Attend routine appointments with your dentist for optimal preventative care for your gums and the rest of your smile.