Bad Breath Causes and Solutions

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    Bad Breath Causes and Solutions

    PREVENT AND TREAT BAD BREATH

    Bad breath or halitosis is a common problem that can affect your social interactions, your confidence at work, and your ability to communicate with others. The main cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Other causes can be because of an unhealthy lifestyle and eating foods with a strong odor. It also may be a sign of other health problems.

    How bad oral habits can cause bad breath

    Bad breath is typically caused by bacteria that live in your mouth. Not brushing and flossing your teeth daily allows food particles to remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth. This will eventually lead to gum inflammation and bad breath.

    How to prevent bad breath

    1. Good oral health
      Good oral hygiene, including brushing and using mouthwash, will kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Flossing is also important as it removes food particles that get stuck in places that can’t easily be reached. The tongue has many grooves that can hold bacteria and food particles so make sure you brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper.
    2. Avoid tobacco smoking and chewing tobacco
      Smoking can cause bad breath as well as mouth and gum diseases. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and have a positive impact on your breath. You can contact our office if you are looking for tips on how to quit smoking.
    3. Improve your lifestyle
      Eat more fruits and vegetables to help clear the odor and add freshness to your breath. Keep your mouth moist and clean by drinking more water throughout the day. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption.
    4. Be aware of the food you eat and the medicine you take
      Focus on paying attention to what goes into your mouth. Some food such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. You can also research the medications you take as some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odors.
    5. Make sure to clean your dentures and braces
      Odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned. Use an electric toothbrush to reach the areas between your braces.
    6. Visit our office regularly
      Lesions and inflammation in your mouth or digestive tract, as well as metabolic processes in your body, can cause bad breath. Regular visits to our office will allow us to detect and treat the cause.

    If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 828.631.3283 or request an appointment online.

    David S. McGuire, DDS

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