Sciota, Pennsylvania
Nothing can kill your self-confidence like a case of halitosis, which is the clinical term for chronic bad breath. If you are experiencing bad breath, the good news is that this is manageable in most instances. Halitosis also can be a sign of a dental problem. Today on the blog, your dentist in Sciota explores this topic and six possible causes of bad breath.
Cause 1: Dehydration
Your mouth can dry out because you are not drinking enough fluids or, if you are breathing through the mouth either during the day or when you sleep. This dryness can lead to an unpleasant odor in your mouth, especially when you wake up – hence the term “morning breath.” Remember that water is both the best source of hydration and the ideal beverage choice for your oral health.
Cause 2: Acidic beverages
What do sports drinks, juice and soft drinks all have in common? They have high amounts of sugar, yes, but they are also acidic, which throws off the natural pH balance in your mouth and can negatively impact your breath. Consuming too many acidic foods and drinks also can elevate your risk of tooth decay, as these acids can deteriorate your enamel – the protective outer layer of your tooth structure.
Case 3: Emerging wisdom teeth
There is a reason why wisdom teeth, or third molars, commonly get extracted. Many people lack the appropriate amount of room in their mouth to accommodate these teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth fail to fully erupt and remain covered partially by your gums. Because of their position and this coverage, wisdom teeth often are difficult to keep clean, meaning these areas become breeding grounds for bacteria and food particles. Wisdom teeth also may become impacted, meaning they can negatively affect the other established permanent teeth in your mouth.
Cause 4: Forgetting to floss
There is a reason why the American Dental Association advises daily flossing. It’s the only method that successfully cleans the small gaps between teeth, which are impossible to reach with a toothbrush. Bacteria and food particles can congregate in these in-between spaces, causing bad breath and even leading to the formation of cavities in these nooks and crannies. Flossing removes these food particles and helps keep your breath smelling fresher.
Cause 5: You are what you eat
Certain foods can negatively affect your breath: cheese, garlic and onions, in particular. Any food that is rich in amino acids, such as cheese and steak, reacts with the bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth to produce an odor that smells like sulfur – or rotten eggs. If you eat a meal that contains these foods, you might want to pop a breath mint until you have an opportunity to brush and floss.
Cause 6: A symptom of another health condition
Bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease, a bacterial infection of your gums that usually occurs due to poor oral hygiene. Persistent bad-smelling breath is just one of the consequences of gum disease, which also can lead to tooth loss, deterioration of the supporting bone structure and even a significantly elevated risk of heart disease. Bad breath also can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, aka GERD. You may need to consult both your dentist and your general physician to identify the cause of your bad breath.
Get fresher breath in Sciota, Pennsylvania
When you visit Chestnuthill Dental to have your teeth cleaned, we will remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line, and also floss your teeth. This leaves your mouth clean and your breath smelling fresh. If you are experiencing frequent bad breath, let us know. One of our dentists can perform an evaluation and, from there, suggest measures to help. To find out more, schedule a consultation by calling (570) 402-4001 or completing our online appointment form.
