What Causes Bad Breath,and How Can I Prevent It?

It is embarrassing to have bad breath, medical name halitosis, but it can also be an indication of problems that your dentist should look into.

You may have cavities or are developing gingivitis or periodontal disease, which is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth and toxins formed by bacteria.

If gum disease is untreated, it can damage the gums and also the jawbone.

Additionally, bad breath can be caused by quite a few other factors including the foods you eat, poor dental health habits, an unhealthy lifestyle, dry mouth -

- surgical wounds after oral surgery, postnasal drip, chronic acid reflux, tooth decay, stomach problems, pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, diabetes, or kidney or liver problems.

Consider which of these may apply to you:

As foods digest and are absorbed into your bloodstream, they are carried to the lungs and given off in your breath.

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If you eat foods such as onions, garlic, spicy foods, some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages, the strong odor will not go away completely until after the foods have passed through your body.

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Having poor dental health habits, such as not brushing and flossing teeth daily or not properly cleaning dentures, will allow food particles to remain in your mouth.

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That promotes bacterial growth around the gums, between the teeth, and even on the tongue.

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Lifestyle habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can not only cause bad breath but can also stain teeth, irritate gums, and reduce the ability to taste foods properly.

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Dry mouth (xerostomia) is caused by some medications such as antihistamines and diuretics and insulin shots, breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems.

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Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids, and wash away dead cells. If saliva is decreased, which naturally occurs during sleep with your mouth open, the cells decompose and can cause bad breath.

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PREVENTION of bad breath is the most desired way to deal with this predicament…

…and it is suggested that you have a thorough examination and a good cleaning at your dentist's office and find out the best at-home oral hygiene regimen, which might include:

Brushing your teeth and tongue after each time you eat, including at work. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and change your toothbrush about every three to four months.

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Using dental floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth.

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Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on sugar-free mints or hard candy can stimulate the production of saliva.

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However, those mints or that candy or even mouthwash only temporarily masks bad breath.

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Avoiding sticky and sugary foods.4

Using a specialized antibacterial toothpaste and/or rinse that will help to kill plaque-causing bacteria and/or an artificial saliva preparation or oral medication that stimulates saliva.

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Family dentists and cosmetic dentists can help you to determine what is causing your bad breath and will advise you on what the best methods are for you to overcome this problem.

If you are seeking professional dental help for bad breath problems, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal.

Call today for an appointment.

Visitwww.mychandlerdentists.com

SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286(480) 420-7551