Bad breath (known medically as halitosis) is a condition that can lead to embarrassment and isolation. But, it could also point to an oral health issue that requires immediate attention and treatment. Luckily, our Duncan dentist is here to help you diagnose possible causes of bad breath so that you can get the treatment you need.
Dr. Matthew L. Bridges is an experienced and highly-qualified dentist serving Duncan, OK, and the surrounding areas. If you want to see why he has been voted one of the top dentists in the area, then schedule your appointment today. New and existing patients can reach Chisholm Trail Smile Center online here or by calling (580) 255-4880.
If you’re experiencing bad breath now, then you may want to take action before your appointment with Dr. Bridges. In this post, our team explores three possible causes of bad breath and what you can do about it.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The human mouth contains billions of bacteria that make up a unique microbiome. This oral microbiome is important for good dental and systemic health, but imbalances in bacterial growth can lead to disease, dysfunction, and (you guessed it!) bad breath.
Ordinarily, daily oral hygiene practices help us keep bad oral bacteria at bay. But, when we begin to slack off on twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, then odor-causing bacteria can flourish. The result is bad breath that makes social interactions more unpleasant for you and others.
What you can do about it!
If poor oral hygiene is responsible for smelly breath, then try:
- Brushing after meals and snacks
- Scraping or brushing the tongue
- Flossing at least once a day
- Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash
Diet
Certain foods and drinks can leave an unpleasant odor lingering in your mouth. For example, coffee can cause pungent breath because of its strong scent. But, it also contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, which can raise heart rates and cause dehydration. And, once dehydration sets in, the mouth becomes drier and more susceptible to bad breath. Alcohol has a similar drying effect on the mouth.
Alternatively, high-sugar diets can lead to bad breath. Odor-causing bacteria in the mouth love sugar, so eating a steady supply of it can cause bacterial populations to explode. The result is bad breath, increased cavities, and inflamed gum tissue (periodontal disease).
What you can do about it!
Eating a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet is a fantastic way to improve your oral health and reduce bad breath. And, don’t forget to drink plenty of fresh water! Drinking water can help flush harmful bacteria from the mouth, leading to a healthier, more aromatic smile.
Tobacco Products
Whether it’s cigarettes, chew, or vape, tobacco products can wreak havoc on your breath. Of course, many tobacco products can make our smiles smell like an ashtray. But, it’s much more than that–tobacco products destroy our gum tissue, too.
Tobacco and nicotine alter the way our soft tissues absorb oxygen. And, when tissue lacks oxygen for extended periods of time, the tissue begins to degrade. This means that tobacco products degrade gum tissue over time, making bad breath and permanent tooth loss a very real threat.
What you can do about it!
Although it’s much easier said than done, quitting is the only option to prevent tobacco-related bad breath. Here are resources vetted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you quit smoking.
Bad breath? We can help!
If diet changes and improved oral hygiene don’t get rid of bad breath, then it might be something more serious. We can help you get to the bottom of smelly breath. Contact the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. Patients can reach our Duncan dental clinic online here or by calling (580) 255-4880.
