Bad breath is a common problem characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth that can cause significant psychological distress. Poor oral hygiene, an unhealthy lifestyle, some diseases, and some types of food like garlic and onion can cause bad breath.
How poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath
The main cause of bad breath is bacteria which is located on teeth and tongue. Poor oral hygiene will encourage more bacteria to grow in your mouth, which leads to gum inflammation and later can lead to bad breath.
How to prevent bad breath
- Maintain good oral hygiene
Using fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash daily, especially after you eat along with flossing regularly will help to remove food particles and get rid of bacteria. Bacteria also can build up on the tongue so make sure to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to scrape it regularly. - Avoid tobacco smoking and chewing tobacco
Tobacco use can cause bad breath, stain teeth, and irritate your gum. Please contact us for tips and advice on how to quit smoking. - Lifestyle changes
Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Add freshness to your breath by eating fruits and vegetables. Water will help you to wash and clean your mouth and to keep it moist so make sure you have at least 8 glasses of water per day. - Be aware of the food you eat
Some types of food such as onions and garlic have a strong odor and can cause bad breath. Make a list of the food that causes bad breath and bring it to our office so we can go over it. Similarly, you can make a list of the medications you take as some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odors. - Clean your dentures and braces
Take out your denture or invisible braces before bed and clean them every night. If you wear braces and suffer from a bad odor use an orthodontic toothbrush along with your normal brush to brush in between your braces. - Visit a dental office regularly
Oral causes such as lesions and inflammations are responsible for most cases of bad breath. Regular visits to a dental office like https://www.gentrydentistry.com/ will allow your dentist to detect early problems such as inflammation, gum diseases, or dry mouth.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for dental cleaning services, please call your dentist or request an appointment online.
Ramy Bahu, DDS
