“Bad
breath, or halitosis can be caused by a number of factors: poor dental health,
food choices, tobacco and/or it can be a sign of other health problems,” says
Dr. Denine Rice from her Periodontal Surgery Practice in Riverside, California.
Brushing and flossing daily promotes good dental health. Not
only does it reduce the bacteria that are found in the mouth, but it also
removes food debris from the teeth and tongue which many times are the cause of
bad breath. Also, patients who brush, floss and see their dentist regularly are
many times less likely to have extensive decay that also contributes to
halitosis.
What you eat plays a role as well. All food eaten is broken
down in your mouth, digested and absorbed into your bloodstream. Once in your
bloodstream it will eventually find itself carried to your lungs where it is
released into your breath. “Foods such as garlic and onions will not go away
even with brushing and flossing until the foods have passed through your body,”
Dr. Rice adds.
Smoking and/or chewing tobacco-based products also can cause
bad breath.
Finally, persistent bad breath may be an indicator of
something else going on:
1.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in the
mouth and when left untreated it can result in persistent bad breath.
2.
A condition called xerostomia (dry mouth) can
result in halitosis. Saliva is needed to clean and cleanse the mouth and when
enough saliva cannot be produced the result may be bad breath.
3.
When dental prosthetics or appliances are not
well maintained they can also cause a bad odor.
4.
Infections like pneumonia or bronchitis, sinus
infections, postnasal drip, diabetes and acid reflux can all also contribute to
bad breath.
Dentist routinely treat halitosis.They will quickly
determine if the odor is related to oral health and make recommendations based
on what they see. If you are suffering from bad breath, don’t wait, see your
dentist and set a course to better health.
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