Adult
While it can be embarrassing when it happens, having bad or stinky breath is very common and has happened to all of us at one point or another, whether it be because of what you ate or because you haven’t brushed your teeth recently. To best understand how to combat bad breath, it is essential to identify its causes, with the leading one being the bacteria that live in your mouth, which are in charge of breaking down foods leading to the release of foul-smelling compounds. Here are some other causes:
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Overall Oral Health
Like we noted previously, poor oral health leads to the build-up of bacteria on your teeth, known as plaque, and on the surface of your tongue. Failing to brush and floss your teeth regularly will encourage bacteria growth causing bad breath. Poor hygiene can also lead to issues like cavities and gum disease, which are too known for causing bad breath.
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Strong-Smelling Foods and Drinks
Foods such as onions and garlic release a chemical called allicin when crushed. This chemical is responsible for giving these foods their strong scent. Garlic, more specifically, is known for releasing substances that enter your bloodstream and are then passed on to your lungs for approximately 48 hours, exacerbating the smell. Drinks like coffee can also cause bad breath due to their intense aroma.
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Dry Mouth
Saliva is in charge of washing away food particles and bacteria that release foul odors. The reduced or lack of saliva production leads to dry mouth, which worsens bad breath. The best way to combat dry mouth is to encourage your mouth to generate saliva. Drinking water regularly and chewing on sugar-free gums can help mitigate this issue.
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Smoking
If you are a smoker, you already know that cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco leave a strong smoke scent behind. This scent, however, is not the only issue aggravating bad breath. Smoking can also reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth and damaging the gums, and causing gum disease.
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Certain Conditions
Some conditions, including periodontal disease, diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease, sleep apnea, and infections, can cause bad breath. In many cases, bad breath operates as a warning sign that these conditions are developing. Additionally, some of the medications used to treat certain illnesses can also decrease saliva production and lead to dry mouth.
Key Takeaways
In the case of bad breath, the most crucial thing to highlight is that bacteria and food particles accumulated on the teeth and tongue are the most consistent cause. Improving your overall oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing is a great way to start. We also recommend visiting your dentist at least twice a year for an oral exam and thorough teeth cleaning. Remember that plaque that builds over time needs to be professionally removed every so often. Please contact us today to book your next appointment. Our Tamarac dentists and Plantation dentists have decades of experience and would be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
March 12, 2021