5 Causes of Bad Breath & How to Treat Them

Everyone suffers from bad breath every now and then. However, if your breath regularly smells less than fresh, it can take a heavy toll on your confidence during a first date, job interview, or while hanging out with friends. You can pop in a mint or piece of gum, but these only mask the problem. To stop bad breath in its tracks, you need to know what’s causing it in the first place! Your Midland dentist shares five common causes of chronic bad breath and what you can do about each one to keep your smile fresh and healthy!

1.) Your Diet

There are several foods that are notorious for leaving a foul odor in your breath. Pungent particles in onions, garlic, coffee, and other aromatic foods can linger in your mouth for a long time after you eat them. To enjoy these delicious foods while protecting your breath, make sure to practice excellent oral hygiene and wash your meals down with lots of water.

2.) Oral Bacteria

Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria that feeds on the sugars contained in the foods you eat. As a result, they release cavity-causing acids and smelly gases. The best way to keep your oral bacteria in check is to practice a thorough dental routine that contains two minutes of brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and regular rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.

3.) Dry Mouth

All throughout the day, your saliva washes over your teeth and gums to clean away plaque, bacteria, and food debris. In a dry mouth, these particles can quickly accumulate and lace your breath with foul-smelling gases. There are a variety of factors that can cause dry mouth, including certain health conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices, so the best solution is to drink plenty of water all day long. Not only will this wash away the smelly particles, but it will encourage saliva production as well.

4.) Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common bacterial infection in the gum tissue. While the most common symptoms associated with this oral health condition are inflamed, red gums that bleed easily, another tell-tale sign of this condition is chronic bad breath. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and permanent jawbone damage, so see your dentist right away for periodontal disease therapy if your bad breath is accompanied by puffy, sensitive, or bleeding gums.

5.) Medical Conditions

In some cases, bad breath is caused by underlying health issues. Problems like sinus infections, gastric reflux, liver disease, and diabetes can all keep your breath from smelling fresh. As with most health concerns, the earlier these issues are detected by your dentist or doctor, the easier they are to treat successfully.

While everyone will suffer from bad breath every now and then, don’t let it continue to keep you from fully enjoying your life. If you have chronic bad breath, see your dentist to identify the underlying problem, determine the most effective treatment, and regain your fresh smile!

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has been helping her patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health for over two decades. She is proud to provide excellent preventive care for smiles of all ages in Midland using the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques. She firmly believes in helping her patients stop oral health issues before they have a chance to begin, which is why she highly recommends getting a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, don’t hesitate to contact her via her website or at (432) 570-4433.