21
Mar
Boise Dentist: Common Causes Of Bad Breath
Bad breath is a problem that most people experience at least once in their lifetime. But for some, bad breath is something they struggle with daily. That’s why Summit Dental would like to help you identify the many common causes of bad breath and provide you with the following tips to treat them.
Poor Dental Hygiene
There are many strains of bacteria that can cause bad breath. Even worse, the mouth is the perfect environment for them to grow, especially when plaque and food debris aren’t properly removed. That’s why it’s important to maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent bad breath from happening. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day. You can also use a tongue scraper to help remove additional bacteria and food debris from your tongue for extra freshness.
Oral Disease
Bad breath can also be caused by infection, tooth decay, and gum disease. Signs to look out for include tooth pain and bleeding or puffy gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your Boise dentist as soon as possible to get treated properly.
Diet
Certain foods that you eat can cause unwanted bad breath. It’s that simple. Even worse, the odors can linger long after you’ve eaten them. These include onion, garlic, and other smelly foods that enter your bloodstream and proceed to your lungs once they are digested thus affecting how your breath smells. If you suspect the foods you eat are the cause of your bad breath, you may want to try eliminating them temporarily to see if that helps.
Dry Mouth
Saliva by nature helps to hydrate and cleanse your mouth. When saliva is low it can lead to bad breath. This is especially common in the morning when the mouth dries out during sleep. Other causes of dry mouth include the regular use of certain medications. If you notice any symptoms of dry mouth, it’s important to talk with your Boise dentist to see what solutions they can offer. Even more, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Smoking
Smoking is known to cause many serious diseases including lung and oral cancers. Even more, it can cause unwanted bad breath by reducing the flow of saliva and promoting gum disease. That’s why it’s important to quit smoking (and tobacco use in all forms) to ensure your dental and overall health.
Summit Dental Group
If you would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment to find a solution for your bad breath, contact Summit Dental Group at (208) 314-2275. Our Boise dentists would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and assess the overall health of your teeth and gums.