Could Your Bad Breath Reveal a More Serious Problem?
There are many situations where the last thing you want to have is bad breath. You sure do not want it when you are out on a date, going on a job interview, or when meeting new people. When you want fresh breath but are unable to get it, you need bad breath treatment.
If you meet someone who has bad breath, also called halitosis, you know that it can be difficult to get or stay close to them. They may be close friends or even lovers, but bad breath is hard to put up with. Most likely, you try to quickly think of some bad breath remedies like brushing your teeth, a mouthwash, a mint, or candy – something to improve the situation. Unfortunately, some people have chronic halitosis.
Bad breath causes and different types of it
There are several reasons for bad breath. Some of these are just common sense, but other ones may be surprising. Most likely, you already know that eating foods such as onions and garlic are usually going to give you bad breath after eating it. Other foods may include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and radishes. Of course, in that case, you can usually just brush your teeth or pop a mint in your mouth to take care of it.
Smoking is also notorious for causing bad breath. This habit will increase the amount of chemicals in your digestive tract that will produce odors.
Dry mouth is another cause of bad breath. Saliva is necessary to wash away the bacteria in your mouth that produces halitosis. As you sleep, the bacterium builds up in your mouth naturally and gives you “morning breath.” As the bacteria feed on the food particles in your mouth, it produces sulfur compounds. This is what gives you morning breath each morning. When you do not have enough saliva, the same thing is occurring in your mouth during the day. Medications, and some medical diseases or complications such as diabetes, can cause the lack of saliva.
Cavities can also produce bad breath. The decay of your teeth could be enough to cause the problem.
Gum disease is a major cause of halitosis today. It is also a major reason why someone may have chronic bad breath. Gum disease of any kind is caused by the same bacteria. As it multiplies, it produces acid. The acid causes inflammation of the gums, tooth decay, and can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious gum disease that can lead to losing your teeth. It will also help to destroy the jawbone under your teeth. Saliva helps to wash away the acid from your teeth, and it also helps to control the bacteria producing it.
Low carbohydrate diets are another cause of halitosis. The result of this type of diet is the production of ketones, which gives the dieter “ketone breath.” Diabetics can also develop this problem if their sugar levels are not controlled.
Dentures, braces, and a lack of keeping the teeth clean can cause bad breath. When food particles get caught in dental appliances, including aligners, the bacteria multiplies and produces the offensive breath.
A lack of regular care of your teeth may also be responsible. It is estimated that about 25 percent of people have bad breath. Most of the time, halitosis is due to a lack of proper care of their teeth.
How to diagnose halitosis
When you have halitosis, you really do not need a diagnosis. Chances are very good that you are already aware of bad breath symptoms from the nasty taste in your mouth and the reaction of your friends when you talk with them up close. When people start offering you mints is another clue.
It may be time to see a dentist about your bad breath when you are not able to get rid of it. Once you are sure that you use the normal means of how to get rid of bad breath and they do not work, it is time to make a dental visit.
How to treat bad breath
In most cases, bad breath has some rather simple solutions. They include:
- Brushing and flossing – Brush your teeth and your tongue twice a day – for at least two minutes each time, and floss every night. This will also help you to get rid of early gum disease if you have it.
- Use a minty mouthwash – A good antibacterial mouthwash will help to control the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Watch what you eat – Avoid sugary foods and foods that you know produce bad breath – especially when you will be around other people.
- Ensure healthy amounts of saliva – If you have a problem with this, you can chew gum with xylitol in it. This sugar will not harm your teeth, and it will help you produce more saliva. If medication is the cause, talk to your doctor about changing it.
- See a dentist – Keeping regular dental appointments will let the dentist ensure that you do not have cavities or gum disease. If there are problems, they can be treated in a timely manner.
If you live in the Farmers Branch , TX area, you can be treated for chronic bad breath by our expert dental team in Champion Dental Clinic We also provide many other dental services including cosmetic dentistry. For more information about a bad breath cure, or to set up an appointment, you can call us today at 214-747-0763