Did you know that your Carlsbad dentist can help you with your bad breath? It’s true! Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.
Colonies of bacteria on the tongue are the main cause of bad breath, usually on the back of the tongue. Just brushing the tongue can loosen and wash away the microbes and refresh the breath.
What may cause bad breath?
- Morning time – saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Foods which contain odor-causing compounds enter the bloodstream and are transferred to the lungs which exhale the odors. Garlic and onions are well known for this.
- Lack of cleaning – food particles in the mouth help bacteria to flourish, so if you don?t brush and floss regular, the result is bad breath.
- Periodontal (gum) disease – colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
- Dentures that do not fit and tooth cavities leave spaces that collect food and bacteria and cause bad breath.
- Some medications, mouth breathing and problems with saliva glands cause dry mouth, which allows bacteria to grow.
- Tobacco products make the mouth dry and thereby cause bad breath.
- Ketones – these are chemicals released by the body in the breath as the body burns fat, so sometimes dieting can cause bad breath.
Missing meals, hunger, and dehydration can cause bad breath. Chewing increases saliva flow and drinking water washes bacteria away.
- Certain medical conditions and illnesses – diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
It is a good idea to go over your medicines and illnesses with your Carlsbad dentist, who can help you determine if any of those things would cause bad breath. Also helpful is keeping a record of what you eat.
Prevention and remedy for bad breath can be simple. These are things you can do:
- Practice good oral hygiene – brush at least twice a day with toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
- See your Carlsbad dentist regularly – get a check up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
- Twice a year visits to your Carlsbad dentist for a check up and cleaning will prevent bad breath. If you have already had gum disease, you should go more often.
- Drink lots of water – it will keep your mouth wet, and wash away microbes.
- Water will keep your mouth moist and help wash away bacteria, so drink lots of water.
If you have tried all these remedies and bad breath persists, your Carlsbad dentist may ask you to go to a medical doctor. Usually, however, bad breath can be handled between you and your Carlsbad dentist, without much trouble.
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