Picture this: You’re getting ready to walk into an interview. You lift your hand to your mouth for a breath check, and you’re immediately horrified by what you smell. Now you’re rummaging through your bag or pockets for a mint. Have you ever stopped to consider what’s actually causing you bad breath? Maybe it’s the sautéed onions you had for lunch, the iced coffee you drank on the way to work, or maybe it’s something a little more serious. Today we’re going to uncover the most common causes of bad breath, and how to treat them.
It’s important to remember that while many cases of bad breath aren’t cause for alarm, it can be a sign of a more serious condition. Therefore, if you’re experiencing chronic bad breath even though you maintain a good oral care routine (brushing 2x per day/flossing once per day), it might be time to see your dentist.
Below are a few of the most common causes of bad breath.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), your mouth houses hundreds of types of bacteria. Anytime you eat, the bacteria feeds on the food left in your mouth. This can cause a case of bad breath. In most cases, this can be easily fixed by brushing and flossing your teeth. To erase bad breath on the go, pack a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste!
As we mentioned before, bad breath that won’t go away could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as gum disease. Gum disease may present with symptoms like bad breath, red or swollen gums, painful chewing, sensitive or loose teeth, and/or receding gums. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.
Dry mouth is a common condition that is associated with the reduced production of saliva. It’s important to note that saliva’s job is to provide around the clock cleaning of your mouth. If you’re not producing enough saliva, then your mouth isn’t as clean as it could be. This can result in an uptick in bacteria and bad breath. Medications, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, alcohol/tobacco use and more can cause dry mouth. (For more on dry mouth, check out this blog!) Your dentist can help you determine the best treatments for dry mouth, which may include some over-the-counter options such as oral sprays and rinses, gel, swabs and dissolving tablets. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help!
Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can cause bad breath, as well as a number of other health-related problems. Because tobacco usage can affect your sense of smell and taste, users may be unaware if their breath smells. Tobacco users are also at a higher risk for gum disease. The best thing you can do to improve your quality of life (and your breath!) is to quit any and all tobacco usage.
Is it time for your 6 month dental check-up? Call Midlothian Dental Center today to make an appointment (804)265-4784
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