Are You Battling Bad Breath?

How is your breath? If you struggle with bad breath, also called halitosis, it can be an embarrassing issue that is difficult to control. Sometimes, you can effectively fight bad breath with good oral hygiene, but sometimes the problem is the sign of a more serious health concern, either dental or medical. How can you prevent bad breath and keep your mouth healthy?

• Most of the time, halitosis begins in the mouth. It could be remnants of foods in the mouth after a meal, causing bacteria growth, or it could be that you’ve eaten a pungent food like garlic, onion, or certain spices, which affect your breath while they’re being digested.
• Tobacco can cause bad breath. Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products can cause a foul odor in the mouth. What’s more, when you smoke or otherwise consume tobacco, your risk of oral and other cancers is increased.
• Sometimes the problem is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t properly brush and floss, or you skip brushing your tongue, food particles remain in your mouth. As these bits of food break down, they produce bacterial growth that can cause bad breath and increase the risk of gum disease. Conquering your bad breath may be as simple as brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and cleaning any dental appliances regularly.
• A lack of saliva can cause halitosis. Saliva helps keep your mouth clean by clearing away food particles, and when your mouth is dry, food particles left behind can cause bad breath. Dry mouth can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications.
• Some health problems cause bad breath. Sometimes, no matter how much attention you pay to your oral hygiene, your breath is still not good. This could be the result of a respiratory infection or inflammation of the sinuses, lungs, or throat. Diabetes, some liver diseases, and kidney disease can also cause halitosis.

The best way to fight bad breath is to brush your teeth, floss, and clean your tongue. If you’re doing all that you can and still struggling with breath that’s not so fresh, talk to your dentist and find out if he or she can prescribe or recommend a special toothpaste and mouthwash. Seeing your dentist regularly is another vital part of preventing bad breath because when you have regular dental appointments, your dentist will be able to catch issues before they become significant problems. If your dentist has ruled out dental issues as the cause of your halitosis, consider seeing a doctor to determine if you have an underlying medical condition.

If you need a dentist, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy mouth is an integral part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re seeking dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.