Whether it is your co-worker or yours spouse, bad breath can be an abrupt distraction. In fact, you may be keenly aware of your own foul breath odor now that you’ve spent time wearing a mask. However, don’t make the mistake of using chewing gum, mints or even a surgical mask to simply cover up your bad breath. Halitosis (the medical term for bad breath) can often be a warning sign that your oral health needs attention.
The Bacteria and Bad Breath Connection
While you can have stinky breath after eating onions or garlic, most halitosis cases can be traced back to poor oral hygiene. When your mouth (teeth, gums and tongue) are not cleaned properly each day, excess oral bacteria and food particles are left to coat your oral surfaces. Unfortunately, this combination can produce foul odors and leave your smile vulnerable to both cavities and gum disease. Therefore, ignoring your bad breath could mean you are also ignoring the first signs of gingivitis or tooth decay, which are two common dental health issues that warrant professional treatment.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath can also occur as a side effect to certain prescriptions or as a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Dry mouth and smoking are also common halitosis culprits. Some patients are excellent brushers, yet they struggle with bad breath due to their diet. The popular Keto diet (low carb, high protein) as well as a high-sugared diet can create an oral environment of foul-smelling compounds.
Lasting Relief from Halitosis
If you’ve ramped up your oral hygiene efforts (brushing, flossing and mouth rinse) and still struggle to find fresh breath, you need to consult with a dentist. At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we treat halitosis after determining its true cause. Your bad breath treatment may consist of periodontal therapy, cavity repair, a professional cleaning or products to address dry mouth. Regardless of what is causing your stubborn breath odor, we are committed to helping you achieve your healthiest and most confident smile.
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,