The funny thing about bad breath is that you are usually the last to know. Most of the time, the solution is easy. You grab the bottle of mouthwash or unwrap that new roll of breath mints. But what if you could minimize the chances of bad breath? For that to happen, you need to know the causes of bad breath.
Most of the time (but not always) bad breath has a lot to do with how well you practice good dental hygiene. Leaving behind increasingly smelly food particles does nothing to freshen your breath. The problems can go deeper, however. Experts estimate that 85 to 90 percent of cases of halitosis — the clinical name for bad breath — have their origins in your mouth.
Our team at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby can help you with this. But first, it’s important to know the causes of bad breath.
What is Bad Breath?
The bad breath we are talking about is of the chronic variety — the kind that goes by the clinical name of halitosis. We have all probably encountered moments of bad breath that just happen, such as when we wake up in the morning, after drinking alcohol or eating pungent foods, or from smoking.
Halitosis is the kind of bad breath that sticks around and that can often be attributed to health problems such as gum disease. It is when bad breath gets recognized — by friends, family, or co-workers — that it becomes a problem and an embarrassing one at that.
Researchers do not know exactly how widespread halitosis is across the globe. But we do know plenty about the causes of bad breath.
Causes of Bad Breath
Gum disease, cavities or other dental problems present as the leading causes of bad breath. But there are others. Other causes of bad breath include:
- Infections, particularly in the nose and throat or in the sinuses
- Dry mouth, as a lack of saliva makes it harder for you to clear leftover food particles
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco, in part because these can lead to dry mouth and cause gum disease
- Acid reflux
- Diabetes
- Liver or kidney disease
These are the conditions for which a breath mint or mouthwash will only have a temporary impact. After they wear off, your bad breath is likely to return.
Role of Dental Health
Good dental hygiene provides the best defense against the causes of bad breath. And that starts with making sure you are seeing your dental professional for routine cleanings and dental exams. Spotting problems before they happen can keep them from escalating into embarrassing moments. Dentists can also make referrals if they feel that bad breath has a different underlying cause.
Brushing and flossing regularly helps to head off bad breath issues. You may want to discuss using an appropriate mouthwash or a different toothpaste with your dental professional.
If the issue is gum disease, your dentist can make an appropriate assessment and develop a plan for treatment. The ultimate goal is to be bad-breath-free.
For Fresher Breath
Developing good dental habits and visiting the dentist regularly is crucial in addressing the causes of bad breath. Lovett Dental in Upper Kirby, Texas provides the expertise you need to mitigate or eliminate bad breath. Our clinical team offers general dentistry services including:
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Dental fillings and sealants
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Fluoride treatments
Our staff consists of dental specialists ranging from a pediatric dentist and orthodontist to a maxillofacial surgeon and endodontist. Contact us at 832.780.4979 for an initial consultation.
