There’s no way around it. Bad breath is embarrassing.
And, what’s worse?
It can be brought on by a number of factors.
What Causes Bad Breath?
What you eat affects the air you breathe out. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to foul breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s transferred to the lungs, where it’s expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food.
Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth.
Tobacco products cause bad breath - more incentive to kick the habit!
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
What YOU Can do for Bad Breath
Maintaining good oral health is essential!
If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let me know know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Finally, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Schedule regular dental visits at my office for professional cleanings and checkups. Routine screenings will allow me to detect any problems such as gum disease, dry mouth or other oral disorders that may be the cause.
Don’t live with the problem any longer. Now is the time to nip bad breath in the bud!
