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 eight-five to ninety percent of cases of halitosis, which is the clinical name for bad breath, have their origins in your mouth. Fortunately, our team at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby can help you with bad breath. To make an appointment with our expert team or ask about the causes of bad breath, please contact us today by calling 713-490-8888.
What Is Bad Breath?
The bad breath we are talking about is of the chronic variety; in other words, the kind that goes by the clinical name of halitosis. We have all probably encountered moments of bad breath that happen. For instance, you may experience bad breath after waking up in the morning, drinking alcohol, eating pungent foods, or smoking cigarettes.
Halitosis is the kind of bad breath that sticks around, which can often be attributed to health problems such as gum disease. When bad breath gets recognized by friends, family, or co-workers, it becomes a problem and can be quite embarrassing.
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
- A 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 to Prevent Bad Breath
Good dental hygiene provides the best defense against the causes of bad breath. That starts with making sure you are seeing your Lovett Dental Upper Kirby 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.
Regularly brushing and flossing helps to head off bad breath issues. You may want to discuss using an appropriate mouthwash or a different toothpaste with your dental professional. You can also take a few additional steps to remove bad breath at home, such as:
- Brushing or scraping your tongue, which is often the center of bad breath
- Rinse your mouth using black or green tea
- Stop smoking
- Drink more water
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
If the issue is due to dental problems or gum disease, your Lovett Dental Upper Kirby dentist can make an appropriate assessment. Then, we will develop a plan for treatment to help you get bad-breath-free.
Get Fresher Breath by Contacting Lovett Dental Upper Kirby
Developing good dental habits and visiting the dentist regularly is crucial in addressing the causes of bad breath. Lovett Dental Upper Kirby provides the expertise you need to mitigate or even 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 outstanding dental specialists ranging from a pediatric dentist and orthodontist to a maxillofacial surgeon and endodontist. Contact Lovett Dental Upper Kirby at 713-490-8888 for an initial consultation.
