No one wants to have bad breath. You do not want your peers to talk about your breath or deal with the aftertaste of food. But using a mouth spray before meeting someone or having a date will not cut it. This method only offers short-term relief.
Bad breath or halitosis often happens when bacteria accumulate. Thus, consistent bad breath can indicate the existence of an underlying problem. Although it is recommended to book an appointment with a gentle dentist in Carmel, NY if you are dealing with consistent bad breath, below are possible reasons you have consistent bad breath:
Poor Dental Hygiene
Bad breath often results from poor dental hygiene. Usually, bad breath happens when bacteria accumulate in the mouth. Not taking good care of the teeth can lead to bacterial buildup through plaque, a sticky film of bacteria known for its ability to erode the structure of the tooth.
Plaque must be brushed away to prevent it from irritating the gums and building pockets between teeth and gums. Such buildup results in gum disease. Also, lingering plaque can cause tooth decay. Such problems can cause bad breath.
Gum disease causes gum and jawbone damage when left untreated. Such issues can be reversible or need more intensive treatment. Tooth brushing and flossing necessary oral hygiene practices to prevent bad breath from occurring. They get rid of food particles, which produce bacteria and odor when allowed to break down in the mouth.
In addition, unclean or ill-fitting dentures can keep harmful bacteria and food particles. Thus, a dentist should evaluate them when bad breath develops.
Dry Mouth
This condition happens when not enough saliva is produced by the salivary glands. Saliva is crucial for various reasons that can impact your breath. It moistens and cleanses the mouth and neutralizes acids that plaque produces. Also, it eliminates odor-causing particles and flushes away dead cells inside the mouth. Some medications cause dry mouth. Sometimes, dry mouth may be a sign of salivary gland issues.
Problems with the Mouth, Nose, and Throat
Bacteria-covered stones can develop on the tonsils, producing odor. Also, bad breath can be caused by a sinus, throat, or nose infection or inflammation like bronchitis and sinusitis.
Diseases and Disorders
Because of the chemicals that many diseases and conditions produce, halitosis can develop. Metabolic disease, some cancers, and liver failure can result in bad breath due to the combination of chemicals. Chronic bad breath can result from GERD as stomach acids regularly flow back.
Ketoacidosis
Halitosis can result from very low insulin levels. This means that the body is not using sugar and has started to break down fat stores. Such a process results in ketone production. In huge quantities, ketones are poisonous and can cause chronic bad breath. This can be a life-threatening condition, so it is important to seek immediate medical intervention.
Fighting Bad Breath
Good oral hygiene can prevent bacteria from building up in the mouth, preventing bad breath. To fight bad breath, below are important steps to take:
- Brush and floss. Brushing the teeth using fluoride toothpaste should be done at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Also, flossing once every day will get rid of bacteria and plaque.
- Clean the tongue. The tongue should be brushed along with the teeth. The tongue has a lot of crevices that offer an ideal environment for bacteria.
- Use mouthwash. Alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash can eliminate odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Stay hydrated. Water keeps the mouth moist and flushes out debris.
Bad breath is a lifestyle issue. If chronic bad breath is preventing you from living your best life, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will determine the underlying cause of the problem and offer treatment options.
