Every one of us has had that moment that we realize it’s our breath we’re smelling, but for some, this can become a consistent insecurity. So why do some of us suffer from it more than others? Bad breath, or halitosis, has a few causes we can go through, such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, certain diet choices or other habits like smoking. Not only will we break down the why, but we’ll also go through some solutions as well!
One of the most common causes of bad breath is the bacteria that develops in the mouth. With its wet, dark environment, the human mouth is the perfect home for bacteria to set up camp and stick around. Bacteria can feed on food particles left behind and multiply, so proper brushing and flossing techniques are crucial. Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to oral health problems like tooth decay, infection, and gum disease causing an unpleasant odor.
It is common knowledge that what you eat affects your breath. When eating things like garlic, onions, and sugary drinks like coffee or soda, our breath tends to smell unpleasant. Surprising to some, alcohol consumption can cause serious dehydration and, in our bodies, can convert to acids. When we breathe out, our breath picks up the odor of those acids causing a not so welcome smell. To avoid this, you can try brushing after meals or doing a quick rinse with a minty mouthwash. Some of us at Queen City Dental Arts like to chew sugar free gum or mints to remove food particles and any lingering odors.
In addition to poor oral hygiene and certain diet choices, another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, or xerostomia. There are several things that can cause a person to suffer from dry mouth, and some may surprise you! According to Mayo Clinic, there are over 500 medications that list dry mouth as a side effect, including antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Mouth breathing and snoring are common as well, leading to the oral passages becoming dry and a decrease in saliva production. Dr. Stenvall can help you pinpoint what is causing your dry mouth and alleviate that symptom as much as possible.
Bad breath is something we all face here and there but isn’t anything we can’t help you with! Dr. Stenvall and the team at Queen City Dental Arts would be happy to hear your concerns and come up with a solution for you. Whether it’s your diet choices, medication side effects, or issues with your hygiene routine, we’ll work with you to form a game plan to get you, and your breath, back on track!