The human breath is a highly complex substance with various components that can influence its smell.
The unpleasant odor or bad breath can be embarrassing, but there are steps you can take to reduce it, such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. If the problem persists despite taking these measures, it may be time to consult a professional for advice on how to combat it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Several possible causes are connected to bad breath, including the following:
- Bacterial buildup. The bad bacteria in your mouth are often the culprits behind bad breath. Food particles stuck between teeth or on the tongue serve as their food, which then allows them to multiply. Improper denture care or ill-fitting dentures can also result in bacterial growth.
- Diet. Some food types can produce odor-causing compounds, which are released into the air during the digestion process. Increasing water intake will help keep bacteria levels low in addition to avoiding certain foods like garlic and onions that can contribute to halitosis.
- Poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly can exacerbate dental issues, leading to bad breath. This makes the mouth more vulnerable to acid attacks, cavities, and decay, which can make it easier for more deposits to build up.
- Gum disease. Gum diseases like gingivitis may also cause bad breath due to an increase in bacterial growth along the gumline.
- Other medical conditions. Certain health conditions like dry mouth, diabetes, acid reflux, kidney and liver problems, sinusitis, or post-nasal drip can also make bad breath more severe.
- Medications. Some medications can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth, and making your mouth an attractive breeding ground for odor-causing, harmful bacteria.
Does Bad Breath Mean Poor Oral Health?
Bad breath can sometimes indicate an oral health issue, but not always.
Some causes of bad breath can easily be addressed by modifying your habits, such as flossing daily and increasing your water intake.
Even some dental conditions linked to bad breath can be reversed quickly with early detection. The first stages of gum disease, for example, can be treated with a reinforced oral hygiene routine.
What Lifestyle Habits Help Prevent Bad Breath?
Proper brushing and flossing techniques can get rid of food particles stuck between teeth or on the tongue. When these residues stay in the mouth, bacteria feed off them, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
On the other hand, continually spending money on cosmetic products isn’t practical, as they only offer temporary solutions but don’t get rid of the root cause of the nasty odor.
By seeking guidance from an oral healthcare professional, you’ll know which products and practices are worth investing in, not only for treating bad breath but also for improving your overall wellness.
How Your Dentist Can Help Address Bad Breath
Your dentist can help diagnose the cause of bad breath and provide advice on how to address it permanently. They may suggest professional cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove bacteria buildup or prescribe oral rinses to reduce bad breath.
If the issue is potentially related to medical conditions, your dentist can refer you to a specialist for further examination. They can be part of a multidisciplinary team that will guide and provide you with the necessary treatments to resolve the stinky smell for good.
Consult With a Dentist in Ottawa, ON, About Addressing Bad Breath
The best treatment plan for addressing bad breath depends on its cause.
If you’re considering getting a comprehensive oral examination in Ottawa, ON, to find out the reason behind the odor in your mouth, please get in touch with us at Dow’s Lake Dental.
We understand this dental issue can make you feel extremely conscious and keep you from engaging in social activities, but as dental professionals, we’re here to assist you and not to pass judgment. Your trustworthy dental team is happy to listen and help.
