Chances are, even if you have a strong commitment to oral care, you can remember a time when you knew that your breath wasn’t fresh. Perhaps you recall eating a salad topped with fresh onions, or maybe you went hours without eating or drinking, and your mouth became dry. It’s important to understand that everyone experiences occasional bad breath. Yet, halitosis is a real breath condition, and describes bad breath as a chronic problem.
Are you wondering what contributes to Halitosis? Here’s a breakdown of the most common bad breath culprits:
- Debris from food: We all know that foods such as onions, garlic, pickles, and other highly fragrant ingredients can affect one’s breath. This usually occurs when particles from foods remain on the teeth and tongue after eating. While the odor is unpleasant, this type of bad breath is easily treatable, and doesn’t usually result in long-term breath problems.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth can have a significant impact on one’s oral health, especially their breath. Specific medications are known to contribute to dry mouth, as well as smoking and mouth breathing.
- Periodontal (gum) disease: Without question, gum infection and disease can cause bad breath. In fact, Colgate reports that Halitosis is often the result of gum disease and tooth decay. Thus, attention to the underlying problem of gum disease is necessary to fully eliminate bad breath.
- Health: When an individual is ill with a virus or sickness, specifically one that involves the nasal passages, sinuses, or throat, bad breath can result.
When it comes to bad breath, remember—a short-term issue can be remedied with a short-term solution. Yet, if bad breath persists due to dry mouth, gum disease, or one’s health, it’s important to let your dentist know. Dentists can help identify Halitosis and determine the best course of treatment for you.
Welcome To Grateful Dental
Whether you are new to the area and looking for a dental home, or if you are an existing patient, Dr. Leia Porcaro welcomes you to Grateful Dental. Providing comprehensive, high quality dentistry for patients of all ages, Dr. Porcaro focuses on preventative services and patient education to empower patients to invest in their health.
If you are experiencing bad breath, and you believe that it’s a chronic condition or halitosis, call Grateful Dental for a confidential visit with Dr. Porcaro today.