Is Your Dental Health Responsible for Your Bad Breath
If you haven’t been to your dentist in wellington for over six months, you may want to schedule a check-up right away. Even if nothing is wrong, a regular check up with your dentist can save you from oral health issues you don’t even know you have, and that includes halitosis, or bad breath! It’s true, everyone can have it! But there are cases wherein it may be because of a dental or medical health issue. Today, we talk about the most common culprits for bad breath. Read on to find out more!
What causes bad breath?
One of the primary causes of bad breath is bacteria build-up. Bacteria lives in your mouth to break down the food you eat. This process leads to the bacteria releasing gases known as volatile sulphur compounds, or VSCs. Proper brushing and regular checkups can treat the problem, and that’s why it’s important to determine the root cause of bad breath, so you can apply the best techniques to eliminate culprits that cause bad breath. Essentially, there are a number of different reasons bacteria may be building up more than necessary. Let’s take a look at what they are.
1. Plaque
Plaque can form on your teeth and gum line, and can produce VSCs. Plaque contains bacteria which can cause cavities and gum disease. Each time you eat or drink, bacteria in your mouth repopulate. Because of this, plaque formation is more likely to happen, but it’s highly preventable with a good oral care routine. Brushing with toothpastes which have antibacterial components, flossing between your teeth, and using mouthwash each significantly reduce the bacteria on the teeth, tongue, gums, and inside of your cheeks.
2. Garlic
Food naturally causes bacteria build-up - garlic and onions, in particular, contain high levels of odorous sulphur compounds. Garlic in particular can stay as long as two days in your system. Brushing and flossing right away after consuming them is the most practical way of washing out any tiny particles that are stuck to your teeth.
3. Dry mouth
A dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva is a natural deterrent to bad breath. Dry mouth is usually a product of salivary gland problems, which lead to less saliva production. Alternatively, it can be a side effect of certain prescription medicine. Apart from refreshing the mouth with mouthwash and brushing teeth, doubling your water intake can also help. Taking special dry mouth lozenges can also assist in stimulating your salivary glands.
4. Smoking tobacco
This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, but smoking tobacco can cause its own type of bad breath. Apart from the foul odour, smoking can also irritate your gums and stain your teeth. The best way to prevent bad breath is to stop smoking altogether. If you have stopped and you want to treat and polish stains, it’s best to call in your local dental hygienist for expert help.
5. Other medical conditions
In some cases, bad breath can stem from other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, lactose intolerance, throat infections, sinusitis or even gum disease. If chronic bad breath continues even after practising a good oral health routine, it’s time to call a dentist.
Let your dentist help prevent bad breath
Naenae Dental Clinic brings you more than 100 years of combined experience in dental practice, and we provide comprehensive examinations, check-ups, and treatments for optimal oral health. Book a consultation, and let’s get you smiling today!