Fresher Breath
There are many causes for bad breath – some dental, some medical.
Bad breath or halitosis is primarily caused by the millions of bacteria that live in your mouth, especially on the back of your tongue. If a person doesn’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in the mouth and collect odor-causing bacteria.
Certain types of bad breath are considered normal, such as “morning mouth” and odors caused by eating certain foods, such as garlic and onions. Other common causes of bad breath are dieting and smoking. If you smoke, talk to your dentist about methods for quitting.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), when there is a decrease in the flow of saliva. Dry mouth may be caused by medications, salivary gland problems, or by habitually breathing in and out through the mouth. Medical disorders, such as a respiratory tract infection, postnasal drip, chronic sinusitis, gastrointestinal problems, or liver/kidney illness, can also cause bad breath.
The key to reducing bad breath is maintaining good oral health. Be sure to schedule regular dental visits for a checkup and professional teeth cleaning. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to remove food particles and plaque. Brush or use a scraping tool on your tongue, as well. At least once a day, be sure to floss or use an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.
If you feel you have a persistent problem with bad breath, see your dentist, who can determine whether the cause is dental or medical. If the cause is dental in nature, he can work with you to determine a personal treatment program.