Bad breath can lead to embarrassment and create uncomfortable social situations. Everyone experiences this embarrassment from time to time, but chronic bad breath, or halitosis, may be a sign of a greater issue. Oftentimes the most common reasons you have bad breath can be easily treated, but identifying the root cause is essential to finding a cure.

What Causes Bad Breath?

1. Poor oral hygiene is often the cause of bad breath. Foods with strong odors, such as garlic or onion, can linger in your mouth if not cleaned thoroughly. Other food particles can also get stuck between your teeth and cause bacteria to build up. Good oral hygiene can keep your mouth fresh and reduce bad breath occurrences.
2. Dry mouth is a condition where your saliva production is decreased. Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth, removing particles that may cause odors to build up. This naturally occurs during sleep, often causing morning breath. The condition is worsened if you sleep with an open mouth. If you have chronic dry mouth, however, this may be caused by an underlying condition that limits the production in your saliva glands. If you feel you may have a drier mouth than the average person, you should discuss this with your dentist as a possible cause of bad breath.
3. Tobacco use is a huge contributor to bad breath. Smoking, chewing tobacco, or other forms of tobacco give an immediate foul odor but can also lead to gum disease, which is a primary culprit for bad breath. Tobacco buildupin the mouth creates an unhealthy environment and is ripe for oral issues, which can last a lifetime.

While these are the three most common reasons for bad breath, halitosis can also be caused by some medications, infections in the mouth, chronic inflammation in the sinuses, some cancers, and metabolic disorders. If you suffer from frequent bad breath, your dentist or doctor may need to investigate to ensure there isn’t a deeper problem happening.

What to Do

Dentists recommend a few steps to lessen episodes of bad breath.

• Proper oral hygiene: Brush two times a day and floss once a day to keep your mouth clean and fresh. This will help to ward off pesky bacteria that can build up and create a foul odor.
• Regular dentist visits: Visit the dentist every six months for a deep cleaning to ensure no issues are festering. Your dentist can identify problems quickly so they don’t turn into worse conditions in the future.
• Stop tobacco use: Since all types of tobacco usage lead to bad breath and overall oral health, ceasing these activities will greatly improve your breath.

If you find yourself reaching for gum or mints more often than not, it may be a good idea to speak to your dentist about your bad breath concerns. Your dentist can give you a deep clean and evaluate any larger issues that may be looming. We’ve discussed the three most common reasons for bad breath, but other factors may contribute to chronic halitosis. At Coral West Dental, our team is available to discuss your concerns and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.