Bad breath is common in everyday life. Bad breath can make it difficult to meet new people, apply for jobs, or simply chat with friends. Bad breath can be covered with mints or gum, but this won’t work if it isn’t due to your lunchtime pasta meal.
Bad breath can be caused by many things. These facts will help you to distinguish between them.
It is easy to fix the cause
Your breath can be affected by both the bacteria in your mouth and what you eat. You can treat minor cases with simple, top-of-the-line treatments.
- Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss frequently. You should brush your tongue twice daily. Bad bacteria on your tongue can cause bad breath.
- Healthy Saliva Flow. Your saliva cleanses your mouth 24 hours a day and kills any odor-causing bacteria. Healthy foods such as carrots, apples and sugar-free gum can encourage healthy saliva flow.
More Serious Causes
Your dentist can help you if you have bad breath or aren’t practicing good hygiene. These conditions might require professional treatment.
- Gum Disease. Constant bad breath or persistent bad taste could be signs of advanced gum disease. Gum disease is not always associated with pain, so it is important that you have it treated as soon as possible. Consult your dentist if you notice bad breath or persistent pain.
- Dry Mouth. Insufficient saliva flow can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is not usually an indication of a serious condition. Dry mouth can indicate side effects of medications like antihistamines or decongestants. Healthy saliva flow is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, as we’ve already said. Dryness can be a common sign. If you have more severe conditions, your dentist will be able to help.
- Conditions. Bad breath can be a sign of certain diseases. Bad breath could be caused by certain conditions such as diabetes, sinus infections, and bronchitis. Your doctor might refer you to a dentist if you have received a clean bill.
Bad breath can cause cramps in your social life. Bad breath could be a sign of something else.