What Does Bad Breath Mean?

March 28, 2019

Let’s face it; we’ve all had concerns about our breath at one point or another.  Halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, may be the result of diet, like that morning coffee, garlic at lunch or even a dry mouth caused by not drinking enough water throughout the day.  It may also be a sign of poor oral hygiene, lifestyle or other health issues.  Luckily, there are ways to reduce or prevent this condition, and its excellent information to have!

Diet

If your breath becomes pungent after eating a tuna fish sandwich with salt and vinegar potato chips, there is a reason it can be tough to mask.  Flossing, brushing, and mouthwash will help temporarily reduce the odor.  However, since the breakdown of food begins in your mouth, it will not go away entirely until your body has fully processed it.

Hydration

Saliva helps combat stubborn bacteria in your mouth, and production decreases when you’re dehydrated.  One of the easiest ways to stave off halitosis is simple H20, and the benefits extend to healthy digestion as well.

Oral Hygiene

The front line of the battle against bad breath is daily brushing and flossing.  Bacterial growth on your tongue, between your teeth, and below your gum line can wreak havoc on a healthy mouth and leave you with odor-causing buildup.  If left untreated, gum disease from plaque buildup may cause far worse problems than bad breath.

Lifestyle

Chewing tobacco and smoking will not only cause bad breath but also inflame your gums and stain your teeth. For help quitting tobacco use visit this link.

Other Health Issues

Foul breath is a symptom of several diseases and illnesses such as diabetes types 1 and 2, liver and kidney issues, bronchitis and acid reflux.  If the dentist confirms your mouth is healthy and not the cause of the problem, they may refer you to your family practitioner or specialist.

Sum it Up

  • Pay attention to changes in your body.
  • Floss once a day.
  • Brush twice daily, followed by an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Replace your toothbrush every couple of months.
  • Drink more water.
  • Stop tobacco use.
  • Maintain dental appointments at least two times per year.

More often than not, we can treat the cause of halitosis in our office.  If you have specific concerns, we suggest bringing a list of any medications you take as they may be a contributing factor.  If it’s been a while or you’re experiencing bad breath, contact us to schedule an appointment today!