Causes, Prevention & Treatment
Bad breath can be defined as an unpleasant odor coming from your mouth. It can range in severity and often does not require immediate medical attention: it may only last for a day or two or even weeks if left untreated.
There are many different causes, and each person has a different sensitivity to its odor, so there is no one ideal treatment. However, everyone can benefit from knowing what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it when they need help.
Most bad breath originates in the mouth and is caused by bacterial overgrowth. Specifically, it stems from a buildup of bacteria on the tongue. However, bad breath is also associated with cavities, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene. Bad breath might not only be caused by poor oral hygiene, but it could also indicate dehydration, skipping meals, eating specific foods, smoking, or even an underlying medical condition.
Medical conditions that can cause bad breath include respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, diabetes, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, and even liver or kidney problems. If you”’re unsure about any of these causes or your bad breath continues despite good oral hygiene practices, you should come in for a visit.
To prevent bad breath, you should brush your teeth after every meal if possible. At a minimum, brush twice a day and floss once daily. You should also try to brush or scrape your tongue regularly, avoid dry mouth, and stay hydrated. Adjusting your diet to avoid certain foods might help, and you should definitely avoid tobacco. Make sure you come in for regular cleanings and checkups, too.
Halitosis is a disease that causes a person to have bad breath that’s not caused by the mouth. Many people believe that they have halitosis if they have any symptoms. Although this isn’t always the case, it’s worth investigating as many people with bad breath don’t realize there is an underlying medical condition.
This condition isn’t spread from person to person. However, people with a weaker immune system, including children and the elderly, are more likely to become ill from other people’s breath. This is because their bodies are more susceptible to infection.
Bad breath can be caused by certain foods that you eat. As mentioned above, garlic and onions can affect how much bacteria is produced in your mouth, which can cause halitosis. Other foods that cause bad odor include fish and milk. If you notice a particular food that causes your halitosis to worsen, then it’s worth avoiding that food.
If your bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you should schedule an appointment. We can help identify any underlying dental issues and recommend appropriate treatment.
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