We Suffer From Bad Breath?
None of us wants to experience the embarrassment of being told by someone that we suffer from bad breath and we try to have a proper oral hygiene routine like brushing our teeth twice every day and have regular visits to the dentist.
We may do everything we can to try to ensure we have fresh smelling breath but sometimes, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, we can suffer periods of bad smelling breath. Every moth has the potential to develop smells carried on our breath so what can we do to try to ensure our breath is always clean and fresh?
It is important to understand the problem of bad breath and take all measures we can do to avoid it so, what is bad breath? Bad breath is often referred to as halitosis which describes breath with an unpleasant odor. It is possible to suffer bad breath infrequently or it can be your long-lasting problem for some people. We need to know what might be causing this unpleasant odor and the most common cause is due to bacteria living in our mouths. It is quite normal to have bacteria in our moths and throughout our body but sometimes excessive amounts of bacteria can contribute to bad breath problems. A lot of the bacteria will live under the tongue where they are protected unlike bacteria on the teeth and gums which can be removed by brushing your teeth and gums.
While bacteria may be one of the most common causes of bad breath. There are several other causes of bad breath and we will look at them now.
Mouth infections
Gum disease or periodontal disease can contribute to bad breath problems and there is a high risk that you’ll have bad breath if you suffer from these conditions. A visit to your dentist should help you to find out what you best options are to deal with these mouth health problems.
Poor Mouth Hygiene
A common cause of bad breath is a lack of good mouth hygiene. You need to be brushing your teeth properly and if not you are likely to suffer with bad breath. Plaque is likely to build up around your teeth which can cause bad breath and lead to tooth decay and further problems. The lesson is, take good care of your teeth and gums by regular brushing of teeth and gums at least twice per day.
Dry Mouth And Lack Of Saliva
The saliva in our mouths is there for a reason. It plays an important role by washing away the foods we eat from our teeth and gums and keeping the food from sticking to our mouth parts. If there is a shortage of saliva foods we eat can stick in our tongue as well as the inside of the cheeks which then can decompose leading to a foul odor being breathed out as the bacteria break down the food.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Any infections in the lung, throat and sinus may cause a bad odor to be issued up through the throat and mouth adding to problems of bad breath.
Bad Odor From Foods And Smoking
Some of the foods we eat can be significant factors in causing bad breath. Eating garlic and onions is a common cause of mouth odors. We all know people who hate the smell of cigarette smoke so you can be sure they will notice the smell of cigarettes on your breath. Chewing tobacco is also likely to cause smelly breath.
So here are some suggestions on coping with bad breath problems.
Proper brushing of your teeth
Brush your teeth properly at least twice every day. This will help to ensure you reduce the bad breath causing bacteria in your mouth. You should also brush your tongue and gums after each meal.
Flossing
Flossing is beneficial since it reduces the chances of food particles and plaque left between the teeth which if left can cause bad breath and future dental health problems.
Mouthwash
A mouthwash after eating can help reduce bacteria and food debris in the mouth. Choose a mouthwash approved by your dentist. Drinking plenty of water is also believed to help in reducing bad breath issues as it is helpful in loosening foods sticking inside your mouth as well as helping to produce more saliva in your mouth.
Visit Your Dentist
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning if required. Your dentist should be able to spot developing problems and fix them before they become a big problem. You should also visit your dentist if you have any concerns about your mouth at any other time.