The fear of having bad breath is one of the leading causes of social anxiety. Okay … so we can’t back that up with case studies or anything, but if you’ve ever had someone discretely (or bluntly) tell you that you have bad breath, it will be a while before you trust that your breath isn’t on the verge of wilting nearby flowers every time you leave the house.
There are ways to cover up bad breath with the use of items such as gum, mouthwash, mints, or … hmm, is Binaca still a thing?
While using one of the these items to mask your bad breath will help in the short-term, it’s important to realize that this issue — medically termed halitosis — is due to the build-up of bacteria inside your mouth, and the best way to fix bad breath is to understand its leading causes, especially since some of the causes might indicate something more severe.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common cause of bad breath is also the simplest to prevent. We all know that our lives these days can be quite hectic, but if you skip brushing and flossing on a regular basis, the accumulation of trapped food particles in your teeth will create a foul stench that will not make you a popular person to be around. Be sure to brush and floss twice a day for two minutes, and especially after meals whenever possible.
Gum Disease
If you do brush and floss on a regular basis and still have problems with bad breath, then you very well could be suffering from gum disease, which is caused by a consistent build-up of bacteria and plaque. Since this can lead to more serious dental issues, all the way up to possible tooth loss, contact your dentist immediately if you believe gum disease is the culprit.
Cavities
Many people seem to be surprised at how bad their breath can be when they only have a small cavity. That’s because a cavity, as most are aware, is the decay of a tooth. And when things decay, a foul-smelling odor typically emerges. If you notice that a cavity has formed, however small, contact your dentist and set up an appointment right away. And make sure that you’re getting a routine exam performed every six months.
Dry Mouth
As if sufferers of dry mouth weren’t annoyed or uncomfortable enough, they also have to deal with the possibility of bad breath. That’s because a primary function of saliva is to wash away bacteria and dead cells, in addition to neutralizing acids. If you’re not producing a healthy amount of saliva, then — you guessed it — bad breath!
Dentures
Just because dentures aren’t “real”, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care for them as if they were your original teeth. Food can get stuck in dentures just as easily as your previous choppers, causing the growth of bacteria. You can prevent this by cleaning your dentures as instructed by your dentist.
Diseases
In addition to gum diseases, there are other ailments that can cause bad breath. These include something a bit mild like sinus infections and acid reflux to more severe conditions that include respiratory tract infections, diabetes, liver problems, and kidney issues. This means that heading to your medical practitioner should also be on your list of things to do.
Are you suffering from bad breath or would to need a dental check-up to ensure oral health? The office of Dr. Bruce McArthur, DDS has helped hundreds of patients will all sorts of dental health needs. Give us a call today and we’ll set up an appointment to get you started on the road to oral health.