What causes bad breath?
Many times the complaint is not from the offender but from a long-suffering spouse or family member. There are many causes of bad breath (which we call “halitosis”) – some serious and some not. And while many people have decided to just hold their nose and live with it, the good news is diagnosing and treating bad breath is something that can easily be done.
Here is a list, in no particular order, of the reasons people may be slowly backing up during conversations:
Foods Containing Pungent Oils
Yes – garlic and onions are very healthy, but they also contain oils that may cause an unhealthy reaction to those around you. These odors come from the lungs, last up to 72 hours, and can be tough to cover up. Mints, gum, and rinses are your best bet – or make sure everyone around you has had the same yummy food as well!
Routine Illnesses
Colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections all cause yucky smelling mucus (or snot, depending on your age), to get trapped in our mouths, throats, and noses, which causes foul breath until the illness is taken care of. Of course, if you have one of these highly contagious problems you shouldn’t be that close to someone anyway! If a sinus infection, sore throat, cough, or cold doesn’t clear up in a few days to a week, you should probably see your physician to make sure things aren’t of a serious nature.
Dry Mouth
The dead cells that accumulate on your gums, cheek, and tongue cause dry mouth. Morning breath is typically very normal since there is low salivary activity at night. It is not normal for bad breath to last all day. Those who breathe through their mouth, snore, or take certain medications can suffer from dry mouth.
Smoking
Smoking tends to dry out your mouth and can also cause your breath to smell due to the tobacco. If heart disease and lung cancer is not a good reason to give up cigarettes, maybe consider the foul smell in your mouth to help make that decision.
Chronic Diseases or Conditions
Lung infections, diabetes, cancer, and kidney failure are examples of serious diseases caused by poor oral health. The good news is that these conditions are rare; however, your dentist will refer you to the appropriate practitioner if your dentist suspects any abnormalities.
Poor Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease
The most common cause of bad breath is due to poor dental hygiene or even gum disease. Treating bad breath that is caused by these two is usually easy to treat. Gum disease is caused by inadequate brushing and flossing habits, in addition to not visiting your dentist regularly. Although bad breath is easily treated, you must catch early signs of gum disease sooner than later.
To learn more about how to combat bad breath, contact our dentist near you! At South Trail Crossing Dental, we are always happy to provide advice so you can achieve optimum oral health.
In just a short period of time, gum disease can advance and eat away at the gums and bone which hold your teeth in place. The result? Loose, unstable teeth which will eventually be lost if not treated. Catching gum disease early is great as treatment is typically conservative. Wait too long and it gets much more difficult and extensive.
Bad breath is not normal! Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist on a routine basis is your best bet for making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, your smile stays bright, and your breath doesn’t cause others to run in the opposite direction.
If you have any questions about this or any other topic concerning you or someone you care about, please feel free to give us a call at 403-720-2778. SE Calgary Dentists at South Trail Crossing Dental are here to help you!