Do You Have Chronic Bad Breath?

Chronic bad breath can be an embarrassing problem. If you constantly munch on mints or covering your mouth to avoid offending people, it’s time to try something else. Knowing what’s causing your bad breath can help us fix it.

It Could Be Gum Disease

Bad breath could be an early sign of periodontitis or gum disease. If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, plaque builds upon them. Over time, this plaque traps food and bacteria. This leads to a persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth that is often a sign of bad breath.

You can also get bad breath if you have dentures or another dental prosthesis that you don’t clean properly. Ask your dental hygienist to show you the proper cleaning and brushing technique for dentures, bridges, and appliances.

The Food You Eat

Some foods are naturally pungent. If you eat a lot of foods with garlic or onions, the smell can linger for a long time. Many people give off the smell of garlic through their mouths and skin for hours or even days.

Garlic and onions taste great, and they’re good for you. How can you enjoy them without the offending odors? Brushing and using mouthwash can mask the odor, but they won’t remove it. Here are some tips to neutralize garlic in your system.

Drink a glass of milk.
Eat an apple.
Drink lemon or lime juice.

These tips will work to neutralize the odors of garlic and onion in your digestive system.

Dry Mouth

Your saliva neutralizes acids in your mouth and washes away dead cells from your cheeks and gums. If your mouth is too dry, it can’t produce enough saliva to do these jobs. Decomposing cells accumulate in your mouth and create bad smells.

You can develop a dry mouth if you frequently breathe through your mouth rather than your nose. It can also be a side effect of some medications.

Certain Illnesses

Some illnesses can cause bad breath.

Diabetes may cause your breath to smell sweet and fruity.

Liver disease can give your breath a fishy smell.

Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is a frequent cause of bad breath.

If you have these conditions and your breath is noticeably strong, contact your primary care doctor. Bad breath can be a sign you need to manage your condition better.

How To Prevent Bad Breath

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, and use dental floss daily. Use an antiseptic mouthwash. If you wear dentures, clean them every night.

See your dentist: See your dentist every six months for a checkup. A twice-yearly checkup lets your dentist monitor any ongoing problems and spot minor issues before they become major. Talk to your dentist about your concerns regarding your breath.

Don’t smoke or chew tobacco: Tobacco products stain teeth and cause bad breath.

Drink more water: Keeping yourself hydrated helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Use gum or candy that contains xylitol to stimulate the production of saliva.

Malan Family Dentistry Can Help

At Malan Family Dentistry, we’re here to help. We’ll figure out what’s causing your bad breath and come up with a solution. We provide safe, friendly dental care for the whole family. Call us for an appointment today.