Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, some more serious than others. By understanding some of the most common causes of bad breath, you can work with your dentist and hygienist to develop a plan to keep unpleasant mouth odors at bay.
Hallock Family Dental is a family dental group dedicated to the health and aesthetics of your smile. We are a family-owned and operated dental practice that specializes in providing our patients with top-quality, personalized service in a comfortable environment. Whether you have bad breath or you just want to keep your smile line glowing, call to schedule your appointment with a team of dental professionals.
10 Common Causes of Bad Breath
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
If you do not brush your teeth, you are at risk for developing periodontal and bone diseases, tooth decay, toothaches, and bad breath. Fortunately, you can rapidly improve your oral health by starting or resuming a regular oral care routine at home. If you need help remembering how to brush and floss correctly, your hygienist can show you the proper technique. You can also treat bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene by seeing a dental professional for regular cleanings and checkups.
2. Garlic, Onions, And Other Foods
While eating any type of food can lead to bad breath, as the particles of food end up becoming a meal for the bacteria in your mouth, garlic and onions tend to be the worst offenders. In part, that’s because garlic contains sulfur compounds that get absorbed into the bloodstream and that take some time to break down.
3. Smoking and Tobacco Products
Cigarette smoke is a very common cause of bad breath. This is because the particles in the smoke attach to the teeth and other soft tissue in the mouth. The longer these particles stay on these surfaces, the greater the number of bacteria that are produced. This bacteria will produce a smell that is similar to tobacco smoke, leaving the user with an unpleasant smell on their breath.
4. Excessive Alcohol Use
Alcohol consumption can lead to bad breath in several ways. Firstly, alcohol dehydrates your body and the drying effects of alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Secondly, alcohol can change the makeup of bacteria in your mouth, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria that can cause bad breath. Finally, excessive drinking can also cause inflammation in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
5. Respiratory Infections
The mucous your body produces when you have a common cold or other respiratory infection can stimulate odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
6. An Oral Infection
Infections in the mouth can cause bad breath. This is because the bacteria that cause these infections often have a very strong odor. Gum and bone diseases, or dental abscesses, are examples of infections that can contribute to bad breath.
7. Certain Diets
If you’re thinking about trying a fad diet, it is worth knowing that some can cause bad breath. The ketogenic diet and other low-carb diets are often used to get the body into ketosis, a state in which it burns fat more efficiently. However, ketosis also produces ketones, which can have an unpleasant smell.
8. GERD And Heartburn
When you experience heartburn or acid reflux, a combination of acid and partially digested or undigested food can flow back up into the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth. This can lead to bad breath.
9. Some Medications
There are various reasons why medications can lead to bad breath. In some cases, the chemicals produced when the body breaks down the medication can cause an odor. In other cases, medications can contribute to dry mouth, which can make bad breath more likely. If a medicine you are taking is causing bad breath, talk to the medical provider who prescribed it. There might be another medicine available that will help without causing bad breath. Your medical provider can also recommend ways to cope with the breath problem if you can not change medications, such as over-the-counter mouth rinses.
10. Dry Mouth
Saliva helps to keep the level of bacteria in your mouth under control. If your body isn’t producing enough saliva, bacteria that cause bad breath can start to grow. A dry mouth often occurs during sleep, which is why you might have bad breath when you wake up in the morning. Sleeping with your mouth open can make a dry mouth worse.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Regular dental visits will help you detect and treat bad breath & other issues that can lead to bad breath, such as dry mouth, gum and bone disease, or other oral infections. If you are concerned about your breath or other dental issues, contact us today for an appointment time that works with your schedule. Hallock Family Dental has offered dental implants, Same Day Crowns, SureSmile Aligners, and a wide range of dental treatments to surrounding communities for over 10 years. With the use of the latest digital technology, we ensure that you get the best results. Call us today at 972-390-7200 for the Allen location, or 972-547-1775 for the McKinney office.
