Nearly 50% of the general population suffers from bad breath or halitosis. Dealing with bad breath can be tiring and stigmatizing, especially if you are already practicing good oral hygiene and other remedies that do not work. Continue reading this blog from Renschler and Rhee in Corona, CA and learn about the most common causes of bad breath and how to fix each one.
What Are 10 Common Causes Of Bad Breath?
- Poor dental hygiene
- Pungent foods
- Dry mouth
- Morning breath
- Tobacco products
- Dentures and braces
- Bruxism
- Medical issues
- Pregnancy
- Oral infection
Poor Dental Hygiene
If you forget to brush and floss every day, food particles can stick in your mouth and breed bacteria there. Some bacteria leave behind odorous by-products as they multiply, making them a major cause of bad breath.
Solution: Remember that food and bacteria can collect in every corner of your mouth, so brush all surfaces thoroughly and floss between all teeth daily.
The Types Of Foods You Eat
What you eat is an important factor in how your breath smells. Strong-flavored foods such as garlic, onions, curry, aged cheese, fish, and coffee can leave a strong odor in the mouth.
Solution: While you wait for the smelly food to work its way through your body, temporarily mask the pungent smell by brushing, flossing, chewing gum, and inhaling mints.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when saliva flow decreases. A dry mouth is one of the main causes of bad breath since saliva is responsible for rinsing your mouth and removing odor-causing particles. Various medical conditions, salivary gland problems, and constant mouth breathing can cause xerostomia.
Solution: Try sugar-free candy to increase saliva production and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which are important factors in keeping your salivary glands functioning properly.
Morning Breath
Bad breath often occurs in the morning, because the flow of saliva almost stops during sleep, causing temporary dry mouth.
Solution: Brush your teeth immediately after waking up to clean your mouth and restore a fresh mint scent that won’t offend the people around you.
Use Of Tobacco Products
Smoking and chewing tobacco are known to cause mouth, throat, and lung problems, including bad breath.
Solution: If you use tobacco, look for programs to help you quit.
Dentures And Braces
Food debris under dentures and around braces is harder to remove, which can lead to bacterial growth, decay, and bad odors. Loose dentures and broken braces can also lead to sores and infections that can make your breath smell bad.
Solution: When you undergo these procedures make sure you follow your dentist’s hygiene instructions. Brushing with dentures and braces may be easier if you use an electric toothbrush. If your dental appliances do not fit properly, be sure to consult your dentist.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is often considered a harmless but annoying habit. However, teeth grinding can seriously damage your teeth and jaw over the long term. Teeth grinding causes the chewing surfaces of the teeth to wear down. This abnormal wear and tear prematurely ages and loosens your teeth, making them prone to problems like hypersensitivity, and bad breath.
Solution: Visit your dentist for a custom mouthguard. Wear it while you sleep to prevent bruxism and protect your teeth and gums.
Medical Issues
Anything from a localized respiratory infection or chronic sinusitis to diabetes or gastrointestinal issues can cause bad breath.
Solution: If your dentist determines that your teeth and soft tissue are healthy, you may need to see your primary care doctor for other medical conditions that may cause bad breath.
Pregnancy
While pregnancy doesn’t cause bad breath, its side effects often do. Morning sickness, hormonal changes, dehydration, and eating unusual foods due to pregnancy can all contribute to bad breath.
Solution: Keep brushing and flossing throughout your pregnancy, and remember to drink plenty of water. Schedule at least one dental appointment during this nine-month period.
Oral Infection
Cavities, gum disease, and affected teeth are examples of oral problems that can cause bad breath.
Solution: If you have bad breath and don’t know the cause, your dentist’s office is the first stop. Our dentistry can perform a thorough oral examination to identify infections or other issues that require immediate attention.
If you’re concerned about bad breath that may be caused by a dental concern or are experiencing a toothache, consider making an appointment with Renschler and Rhee. Renschler and Rhee Dentistry serves patients in Corona, CA and surrounding communities with the very best in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments, as well as regular check-up exams and professional cleanings. Book a consultation by calling 951-735-2608.