Bad Breath: Its Causes and What To Do About It

Bad breath that persists on and off even after cleaning the mouth is known as halitosis. This is an embarrassing condition that affects self-esteem and the quality of life. Therefore, many people turn to mouthwashes, gums, mints, and other products to help keep their breath fresh.

Unfortunately, their results are temporary. They do not address the causes of the bad smell from the mouth. Only a dental professional can help eradicate the problem permanently. Read on to find out how the best dentist in Phoenix can help with mouth odor.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Several factors cause halitosis. These include:

• Poor oral hygiene

If a person neglects to brush and floss regularly, food particles remain in the mouth. They combine with oral bacteria to form plaque which leads to bad breath. The plaque sticks on the tongue and produces a bad smell in the mouth. This plaque eventually turns to tartar leading to gum disease, which leads to halitosis. Your bad breath may also be due to unclean dentures.

• Diet

What you eat may increase bacteria in the mouth leading to bad breath. Foods such as garlic, spices, and onions enter the bloodstream after digestion. They contribute to foul mouth odor.

• Dry mouth condition

Your salivary glands may have a problem and produce inadequate saliva. This will result in lousy breath since saliva helps cleanse the mouth and prevent bad breath.

• Tobacco products and alcoholic drinks

Smoking or using tobacco products leads to unpleasant mouth breath. Nicotine also leads to gingivitis, where the symptom is constants bad breath. Beverages that contain alcohol also lead to bad breath.

• Oral infections

Bad breath may be caused by mouth sores, gum diseases, or post-surgical wounds. Immediately contact an emergency dentist near you if you notice bad breath after oral surgery. It indicates an infection in the operated area that may compromise recovery.

• Medications

Some medicines lead to dry mouth, while others release chemicals in the body leading to bad breath.

• Other conditions

Individuals with infections in the sinuses, throat, or nose will have bad breath. Those with oral cancer, diabetes, and chronic reflux will have smelly breath. If something is dislodged in a nostril, especially a child’s, their breath will be unpleasant. Bowel obstruction, ketoacidosis, and aspiration pneumonia also lead to halitosis.

How To Stop Bad Breath From Your Mouth

The best dentist in Phoenix recommends the guidelines below to stop bad breath from the mouth.

1. Maintain proper dental hygiene through brushing and flossing regularly. When brushing, focus along the gum line, the surface of your tongue, and all tooth surfaces. Brush or rinse the mouth after each meal to remove trapped food particles. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. Floss daily to eliminate food particles from between the teeth.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste and antiseptic mouthwash daily to keep off plaque and bacteria. When using mouthwash, swish it in the mouth for 30 seconds for a more fresh breath.
3. Avoid consuming foods that cause bad breath. Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables that help clear plaque from the mouth keeping your breath fresh. These include apples, celery, carrots, and other hard fruits and vegetables.
4. Quit taking alcohol and smoking or using tobacco products that lead to halitosis.
5. Drinks plenty of water to help with dry mouth. You can also chew on sugarless gum and suck on sugar-free mints to increase saliva production.
6. Clean your dentures properly every day using a suitable disinfecting solution. Remove them before bed and soak them overnight. This keeps them free of bacteria that may cause foul mouth odor. Removable braces and retainers too should be cleaned as directed by the dentist to avoid halitosis.
7. See your dentist at least twice annually. The dental expert will professionally clean your mouth to prevent decay and gum infection. They will also check for issues that cause bad breath, such as periodontitis and dry mouth, and treat them. Discuss the medicines you take with your dentist. The expert will help you identify which contributes to your bad breath.

The dental experts at Open Wide Dental will carry out a diagnosis to determine the cause of your bad breath. Then, they will address the problem appropriately to eliminate halitosis.