Although bad breath is something that most people experience occasionally, it can become a persistent issue for others. While most of us know what onion breath smells like, there are other causes of bad breath than eating something smelly. So, what exactly causes bad breath, then?
- Not Brushing or Flossing
- Smoking
- Sinus Drainage
- Periodontal Disease
- Diet
- Dry Mouth
- Tonsil Stones
Bad Dental Hygiene = Bad Breath
Most of the time, bad breath is caused by poor dental hygiene. However, it can be caused by other issues such as drainage or tonsil stones. Periodontal disease can be genetic, but most bad breath is caused by a multitude of factors. Not brushing or flossing your teeth will lead to bad breath because when plaque or food particles aren’t removed between the teeth, they will essentially start to rot and smell. In some cases, bad breath can indicate a larger problem, for instance, ketoacidosis for diabetic patients.
How We Help Fight Bad Breath
The first step to fighting bad breath is to find out the cause. After we determine the source, we’ll devise a plan based on the patient’s needs. For tobacco patients, for example, we would recommend the patient stop smoking, but they would also need to be on board with that. Other than quitting, we can suggest a mouth rinse. For people on medication that experience dry mouth, we recommend an alcohol-free rinse. And while mouthwashes can help, really spending time brushing and cleaning between the teeth is most important.
Brushing and flossing removes those plaque deposits and food stuck between our teeth that cause bad breath. All that rotten food will continue to smell unless it is cleaned out regularly. Brushing the tongue is also essential to remove buildup and keep the mouth environment clean. If it’s tartar and plaque causing the bad breath, then having your hygienist complete a dental cleaning to remove the bacteria will help. Tooth decay and rotten teeth can also cause bad breath, so addressing those issues will help remedy the smell as well. For patients with bad breath, we always stress the importance of home care and building healthy dental habits. There are many products and tools that can help you combat bad breath at home, which we discuss in our guide to treating bad breath.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.