When it comes to bad breath, understanding the causes of halitosis is key to freshening up your mouth. Halitosis, which is chronic bad breath, can be embarrassing and frustrating. Thankfully, preventive dentistry at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre can help you get to the root of the problem.
Don’t let bad breath rule your life. Contact our Woolgoolga, NSW, dental clinic at (02) 6654-0650 or our Coffs Harbour, NSW, office at (02) 6652-3242 to explore halitosis treatment options now.
By knowing the common causes of halitosis, you can take steps to prevent it and maintain a clean, healthy mouth. So, in today’s blog, let’s dive into the most common causes of halitosis.
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the biggest causes of halitosis is improper oral hygiene practices. If you don’t brush and floss every day, food particles and bacteria quickly build up in the mouth. This leads to plaque, which can create a foul odor.
When plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes even more difficult to clean, making your breath smell worse. Good preventive dentistry practices, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can prevent these issues.
Dry Mouth
Our spit helps wash away residual food and bacteria that cause bad breath. However, when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, these particles stay behind and contribute to halitosis.
Dehydration, certain medications, or even sleeping with your mouth open can all contribute to dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production and reduce dry mouth-related halitosis.
Foods and Drinks
Some of the most well-known causes of halitosis are aromatic foods, like garlic and onions. These foods release strong-smelling compounds that linger in the mouth long after eating, even getting absorbed by the bloodstream. Coffee and alcohol can also dry out your mouth, making bad breath worse.
To avoid food-related halitosis, brush your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, or chew sugarless gum after snacks and meals.
Tobacco Products
Smoking or chewing tobacco leaves a strong, unpleasant odor in the mouth that can be hard to get rid of. Not only does tobacco contribute to bad breath, but it also increases your risk of gum disease, another cause of halitosis.
Quitting smoking or tobacco use is a great way to improve your breath and overall oral health.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious dental condition characterized by inflamed and infected gum tissue that can lead to bad breath. Gum disease is one of the more severe causes of halitosis and should be treated by a dentist.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are key to preventing gum disease-related halitosis.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, underlying medical conditions cause halitosis. For example, issues like sinus infections, acid reflux, and even diabetes can contribute to bad breath.
If you’ve ruled out the usual causes of halitosis and still have chronic bad breath, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Treating the root cause of the problem will help freshen your breath.
Freshen Up with Preventive Dentistry at Magic Smiles Dental & Implant Centre
The best way to prevent halitosis is through good oral hygiene and regular dental care. So, don’t forget to visit our dentists in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga, NSW, for routine cleanings and check-ups as part of your preventive dentistry routine. Request an appointment here to get started!
