Halitosis, or bad breath, can be embarrassing. But what causes halitosis? In this blog post, we’ve collected a few probable causes and solutions for halitosis.
Is bad breath embarrassing you? First, assess your dental hygiene routines with complete honesty. Do you brush twice a day, for a full two minutes each time? Are you flossing once daily, taking about two to three minutes per session? If the answer to both of these questions is a total “yes,” and yet you still deal with consistent halitosis, it’s time to look at some other options for why your breath stinks.
Perhaps your halitosis was caused by the foods you eat. Strong-smelling food, such as garlic or onions can cause bad breath. If you have eaten strong-smelling food, try chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating. This will promote saliva flow, which will wash away food particles and bacteria. The scent of the gum will also freshen your breath as your mouth works to clean itself.
Alcohol or tobacco products can also give you bad breath. They not only have their own odor, but they also dehydrate the mouth. Dry mouth makes it harder for your mouth to clean itself, allowing bacteria to thrive; this also leads to bad breath. It is best to limit or eliminate the use of these substances. It is good to note that dry mouth can also be caused by a plethora of medications, cancer therapy, stress, or autoimmune disorders. If you suspect dry mouth, speak with your [dr_type].
If you haven’t eaten any strong smelling food and don’t use tobacco or alcohol, chronic halitosis could indicate other medical problems, such as gum disease or other conditions. Talk with your [dr_type] if your bad breath continues.
There are many causes and solutions to halitosis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. Dr. Latino and our team are happy to help! We are your one-stop shop for all your dental needs, including cosmetic dentistry in Waco, Texas.
