Here at Chaffin Dental Care, we see many patients every year for a wide variety of oral health problems. One of the more common problems we see is patients complaining about halitosis. Yes it is true, bad breath can be a serious problem for many dental patients. In fact, estimations claim that more than 80 million people suffer from bad breath related to oral health issues from gums, teeth and tongue. However, it is very important to note that bad breath can be a warning sign of major oral health issues and a result of poor oral hygiene habits.
What Actually Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be caused by a variety of different factors. Often, bacteria, left-over food particles, and poor oral hygiene are the main causes of mouth odor. Once food particles reach certain levels in the mouth, they can produce a compound that is identified by a sulfur odor and the danger of tooth decay. This is why it is very important to keep your mouth clean. Simply brushing and flossing can get your oral health back on track and help reduce that bad taste in your mouth.
Another substance that could be creating bad breath problems is foods with strong odors. Things like onions and garlic can affect your breath for days after ingestion. This phenomenon is due in large part to the fact that odors from foods and drinks do not go away until the foods have been completely digested. Consequently, fouls odors can be detected on your breath sometimes three days after consumption. So if you have a big date or special occasion coming up, avoid the strong flavors of onions and garlic.
Health Issues And Halitosis
Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also be a warning sign of serious problems with your dental health. Dental problems like gum disease, cavities, periodontal disease, chronic sinus infections, yeast infections in the mouth and ill fitting dental appliances can also cause halitosis. Some additional causes of bad breath are: postnasal drip, acid reflux, dry mouth, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
How Saliva Helps Bad Breath
Healthy saliva levels keep oral odors at bay by washing away food particles and dangerous bacteria from your mouth and the crevices between teeth. This is why it is so important to keep your mouth moist by drinking enough water and using lubricant mouthwashes if necessary. One of the reasons we have “morning breath” is because saliva production slows and bacteria can grow inside the mouth while we sleep. So get up, brush your teeth and have a nice glass of water for the health of your oral tissues.
What Are The Best Ways To Combat Bad Breath?
The best way to combat bad breath is by simply brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Other ways to fight halitosis are:
-Scrape your tongue after meals and at least once a day.
-Chew a good quality sugar-free gum between meals or after eating.
-Use fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste.
-Floss your teeth after every meal or at least once a day.
-Keep your dental devices clean.
-Why Check-Ups With Your Dentist Are So Important
You may think that seeing a dentist is just an inconvenience, but this is not the case. Dental check-ups are an important part of preventative care because they can help patients detect problems, reduce plaque levels on teeth and decrease bacteria build-up. Dentists can also help determine the source of bad breath, recommend special products to eliminate symptoms and recommend an additional specialist if your bad breath is not related to your oral health. All in all, seeing a dentist should be a critical part of keeping your body, healthy and strong.
Dr. Chaffin Can Help With All Your Dental Health Needs
Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem that can only get worse if left untreated. Luckily, with proper care, halitosis is curable in most instances and preventable in many. The staff at Chaffin Dental Care would like their patients to know more about the importance of regular dental care and maintenance. If you live in the Spokane, WA area, come see us for a consultation and get started on better dental health today.