Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is common in many people today. Most bad breath problems occur when the bacteria in your mouth releases chemicals that have strong odors. The bacteria in your mouth can come from many different reasons.
However, here are three common causes of bad breath:
1. Gum Disease: Gum disease causes bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, which is caused by too much plaque on your teeth. This will cause bacteria to go into your gums and give you bad breath.
2. Dry Mouth: Having a dry mouth occurs when your saliva decreases. Saliva helps clear away bacteria and food particles. When there is a lack of salvia in your mouth, food particles and bacteria stay in your mouth longer.
3. Smoking and tobacco: Tobacco is not only bad for your oral health, but your overall health as well. Tobacco irritates gum tissue and adds to bad breath. Tobacco also irritates your gums and increases your risk to gum disease.
Bad breath is not only caused from bacteria on your gums, but can be found on your tongue. The best way to fight and reverse bad breath is oral hygiene. It may take a while for the mouth odor to completely disappear, but you can reverse it through brushing twice a day for two minutes a day, and flossing daily, and don’t forget to visit your dentist for a deep cleaning.
If you have questions about your bad breath or oral care, please contact your dentist. Your dentist can address any questions or concerns you have pertaining to your oral care. So, call us today and let us lead your smile back to positive and fresh oral health.