Have you ever eaten onions or garlic and found yourself reaching for a piece of gum? Bad breath can be embarrassing, and it is something that we have all experienced from time to time. There are so many products on the shelves geared towards bad breath such as mouthwash, gum and mints. These products work great temporarily but they don’t always address the cause of the problem. Did you know there are more things that cause bad breath besides eating certain foods?
Dry mouth can also be the culprit! Saliva helps cleanse your mouth by removing particles that cause odors. When your saliva production is decreased it can contribute to bad breath. A dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep which is why you wake up with “morning breath!” Chronic dry mouth can be caused by several different diseases.
Certain medications can also cause bad breath. Some drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath. Examples include nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals, and some tranquilizers, such as phenothiazines. Certain vitamins can also cause you to have bad breath, especially in large amounts.
In addition to staining teeth and being bad for overall health, tobacco can add to the bad breath problem. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer.
Surgical wounds after oral surgery, such as tooth removal, can contribute to bad breath. It can also be a result of tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores and can occasionally be from small stones that form in the tonsils which are covered with bacteria that produce odor. Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat can also cause bad breath.
Staying up to date on your professional cleanings and exams can be a huge help in fighting bad breath! Make sure you are flossing daily to get rid of all food particles that can be stuck between your teeth. We also have tongue scrubbers that scrape debris and cells off and help keep your breath smelling fresh! If you are due for your cleaning, then give us a call! We would LOVE to see you!
