Chronic bad breath or halitosis can result from poor oral health habits or signify something more serious. The condition can also be a sign of certain health problems. Regular brushing, using mouthwash or mints are just not enough for some people. Halitosis is different from the bad breath that lingers after eating certain foods. If bad breath remains for long, talk to your dentist. They may be able to help.
Causes of Halitosis
Halitosis may result from dental problems such as cavities or gum disease with “deep pockets.” These dental conditions provide places for the bacteria that causes bad breath to thrive. Other causes of halitosis are mouth, nose, and throat infections and dry mouth. Smoking and tobacco products cause bad breath. Halitosis is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, gastric reflux, kidney, or liver diseases.
It is difficult to get rid of halitosis on your own because these spaces are hard to reach when brushing your teeth.
Dealing With Halitosis
If you notice that your breath is not very fresh, start by bumping up your oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth more often may help. Brushing for at least two minutes with a quality toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is ideal.
Make sure you floss daily to clean between the teeth. Other things that you can do include drinking more water, cutting back on caffeine, and chewing sugar-free gum. These will keep saliva flowing in your mouth and can help keep your breath fresh.
Consulting a Dentist
If bad breath persists after improving your dental hygiene, the next step is to consult your dentist. The dentist will help you determine the cause of your bad breath. Professional dental cleaning and an oral exam will help determine the root cause of halitosis.
The good news is that tooth problems and gum disease are treatable. If the dentist rules out oral health problems, there are other options to explore.
Food and Bad Breath
Everything you eat is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces for your body to use. This process of digestion begins in the mouth. Food eventually makes its way into the bloodstream and the lungs, influencing the smell of your breath. Consuming foods with strong odors, like onions and garlic, can lead to bad breath.
Brushing, flossing, and even using mouthwash only cover up the odor temporarily. Some common foods that cause bad breath include cheese, pastrami, certain spices, and alcohol.
Health Problems and Halitosis
Some health problems are associated with halitosis. Persistent bad breath, usually accompanied by a bad taste in the mouth, is a sign of periodontal disease. Severe gum disease results from plaque buildup on the teeth. Untreated gum disease can cause damage to the gums and the jawbone and other health problems.
Diseases that can cause halitosis include respiratory tract infections like bronchitis or pneumonia, chronic sinus infections, and postnasal drip. Others are diabetes, chronic acid reflux, chronic lung infection, gastrointestinal issues, and liver or kidney issues. If you suffer from bad breath, it is vital to consult a dentist.
To learn more about halitosis, contact Jonny Fisher DDS at our office in Pullman, Washington. You can call (509) 383-8300 today to schedule an appointment.
