What Causes Bad Breath?

Did you know that approximately one in four people around the world battle bad breath each day? The good news is that improving your oral hygiene practices and making simple lifestyle changes are usually all it takes to rid you of bad breath. If, however, the condition persists, your trusted team at Avalon Dental Care is here to help!

What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

While there are various causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis, the majority of cases result from poor dental hygiene practices. Other factors include tobacco use, dry mouth (xerostomia), consuming foods such as onions and garlic, fasting, and very low carbohydrate diet programs.

Persistent bad breath may indicate gum (periodontal) disease, which is caused by plaque buildup. Other oral health problems can cause halitosis, including ill-fitting dental appliances, infections or sores of the mouth, and cavities. Some medications and illnesses can also cause bad breath.

Prevention and Treatment of Bad Breath

Oral hygiene practices: Make sure you brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash regularly. Bacteria, debris, food, and dead cells often build up on the tongue, so don’t forget to clean it too. Additionally, clean your dentures, bridges, or mouthguards daily and before placing them in your mouth.

Lifestyle changes: Consider cutting down on foods that cause an unpleasant odor to eliminate halitosis, and refrain from the use of tobacco products. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy can help by stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away food debris and bacteria.

Professional help: If bad breath persists, Avalon Dental Care is here to help. We will diagnose the underlying causes of your halitosis and may refer you to your health care provider for further investigations. In all cases, we recommend that you schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings twice a year to allow for the early detection of any condition while easiest to address.

Quality Dental Care Near Me

Contact Avalon Dental Care to learn more about the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of bad breath. We will work with you to determine the source of halitosis and will develop a treatment plan to manage your condition. You can always count on us for exceptional care. Call us and schedule your appointment today.