Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Nothing can spoil a social situation like bad breath. Chronic bad breath, which is known clinically as halitosis, can lead to embarrassing situations and make you self-conscious. Bad breath usually stems from an overpopulation of oral bacteria in your mouth but it is not the only culprit. Today on the blog, Okemos’ favorite dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia explores five possible causes of halitosis.
Cause 1: Dry mouth
Have you ever heard of xerostomia? This isn’t just a tongue twister; it’s the clinical term for dry mouth. Diminished saliva production makes it more difficult to naturally wash away food particles from your mouth. If these particles are left to linger, oral bacteria break them down, which leads to a foul-smelling odor.
Cause 2: Gum disease
Gum disease stems from a bacterial infection in your gum tissue. Untreated gum disease can lead to a host of oral problems, including tooth loss, the deterioration of the supporting bone structure and even an elevated risk of heart disease. Another consequence of gum disease is often bad breath, especially since poor oral hygiene usually leads to the infection that causes the disease.
Cause 3: Dietary choices
You are what you eat. Certain foods smell stronger than others. For example, if you just finished a meal that included garlic and onions, you may want to at least pop a breath mint until you have the opportunity to brush your teeth.
Cause 4: Tobacco
If you smoke cigarettes or use chewing tobacco, either one of these habits can affect the odor of your breath. This is just another reason to consider quitting tobacco. Using it in any form threatens your overall health, your oral health and leads to the potential development of gum disease or even oral cancer.
Cause 5: Medical issues
An infection in your mouth, a sinus infection or even the common cold – any of these issues can lead to bad breath while your body is fighting off this ailment. Halitosis also can be a symptom of certain chronic conditions, especially diabetes and acid reflux.
How can you improve your breath?
There are some things you can do on your own to improve your breath. The most important is a regular regimen of daily oral care, which includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and flossing daily to remove any food particles that congregate between your teeth. You also can consider adding a mouthwash or oral rinse to your routine; we recommend an anti-bacterial product or one that contains fluoride or, ideally, both.
Get fresher breath in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
Don’t let bad-smelling breath stand in the way of professional or social opportunities. When you visit Tenaglia Smiles for one of your regular dental checkups, a member of our team will conduct a thorough dental cleaning, removing all the bacteria and plaque from your mouth. This leaves your teeth clean and, yes, your breath smelling fresh. Call us at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.