Bad breath is a common occurrence in life. Bad breath can make it difficult for you to meet new people, interview for a job, or just chat with friends. You can mask bad breath with gum or mints, but that won’t work if the problem isn’t caused by your lunchtime pasta dinner.
Bad breath can result from many different things. This information will help you distinguish between the two.
Simple to Remediate Causes
Both the bacteria in your mouth as well as what you eat can affect your breath. Minor cases can be treated with straightforward, top-of the-line measures.
- Keep your mouth clean. Brush twice daily. Floss regularly. Your tongue should be brushed twice daily. Bad breath is caused by bad bacteria on the tongue.
- Healthy Saliva Flow. Your saliva cleans your mouth 24 hour a day and eliminates odor-causing bacteria. Healthy foods like carrots, apples, sugar-free gum, and other fruits can promote healthy saliva flow.
More Serious Causes
If you have bad breath and are not practicing good hygiene, your dentist can help. These conditions may require professional treatment.
- Gum Disease. Bad breath or persistent bad taste can be a sign of advanced gum disease. Gum disease does not always cause pain so it is important to have it treated as soon possible. Consult your dentist if you notice bad breath or persistent pain.
- Dry Mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by insufficient saliva flow. Dry mouth is not usually a sign that you have a serious condition. However, it can be a sign that you have a medical condition or side effects from medications like antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, and others. As we have already stated, healthy saliva flow is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. Dryness may be a common symptom. Your dentist can help you determine if there are any more serious conditions.
- Conditions. Bad smelling breath could be an indication of certain diseases. Bad breath can result from certain conditions, such as diabetes, sinus infections and bronchitis. If your dentist has given you a clean bill, your doctor may refer you.
Bad breath can lead to cramps in your social life. However, it could also be a sign that something is wrong.