According to dentists, an estimated ninety percent of all causes of bad breath are due to an oral cavity. This is often the result of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or throat infections. Bad breath, also known as halitosis or oral malodor, affects nearly thirty percent of the American population, negatively impacting their daily lives.
There are various treatment methods for the condition, but a proper clinical examination is required to establish the exact cause. A certified dentist performs diagnosis and treatment in a clinic. For optimal oral health, it is vital to learn about what causes regular and chronic bad breath.
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Poor Oral Hygiene
In most cases, bad breath is a sign of poor oral hygiene. To avoid this, clean your teeth and mouth properly to get rid of food particles and bacteria buildup (plaque). Also, food particles stick to the uneven surfaces on the tongue and tonsils, which consequently leads to bad breath odors.
Poor oral hygiene leads to other dental conditions, such as gum disease and tooth cavities. A consistent oral care routine offers the best solution for bad breath.
Eating Certain Foods and Drinks
This is one of the causes of bad breath that may be hard to address, primarily if your entire diet consists of spicy foods. Certain types of food (such as garlic, onion, and spices) have odor-causing particles that enter your bloodstream. As you exhale, the lungs carry the odor to your breath.
Heavy coffee drinkers usually experience bad breath, especially after drinking a cup or two in the morning. Coffee causes bad breath due to its intense flavor and effect on saliva production. It decreases saliva in your mouth. A decline in saliva means that odor-causing bacteria will multiply.
Alcohol is another leading cause of bad breath, with heavy drinkers experiencing it more often. Excessive consumption of alcohol also decreases saliva productions, thus encouraging odor-causing bacteria.
Prescription Medication
Numerous prescription medications have side effects that cause bad breath. One such side effect is chronic dry mouth syndrome (cottonmouth), which is characterized by a decrease in saliva production. Any extended period with the cottonmouth leads to bad breath. Also, certain types of medications disintegrate in the body to release chemicals that cause a bad odor when you exhale.
If you are using prescription medication that causes bad breath, talk to your doctor to see if you can get a suitable alternative. If the drug cannot be substituted, then you should eliminate all the other factors that may cause bad breath.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Most cases of bad breath are due to bacteria, but there are a few instances where health conditions can contribute to the state. Bad breath can signal other underlying health conditions, such as:
- Postnatal drip
- Tonsil infections
- Liver and kidney problems
- Respiratory illnesses
- Diabetes
- Metabolic disorders
- Oral cancer
Eliminate Bad Breath with Lovett Dental Sharpstown
If you are suffering from bad breath, review your oral hygiene routine. Necessary lifestyle changes will help to alleviate the condition, but always seek medical attention for chronic cases. Our dentists will examine your mouth and medical history to ensure that you receive customized dentistry services for overall optimal dental health.
Visit Lovett Dental Sharpstown for checkups and other dentistry services, such as:
- Dental implant treatment
- Teeth whitening services
- Sedation and dental anxiety
- Emergency dental services
- Dental fillings and sealants
- Dental crowns and bridges
With proper oral hygiene, you can eliminate most of the causes of bad breath. Contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown today by either calling 281-975-5560 or completing our convenient online form for more information on how to prevent bad breath or schedule an appointment.
