Having bad breath is quite embarrassing. This is an awkward condition affecting your personal and professional life. The intensity of bad odor differs during the day and night. The bad breath needs to be prioritized initially otherwise it will accompany with dry mouth, change in taste, and other oral diseases. Certain foods, health conditions, and habits are among the causes of bad breath.

Finding the cause of the bad breath is the first step towards treating the preventable condition. There are many causes of bad breath:

Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. Your tongue can also trap bacteria that further increase bad odor.

Certain foods: Foods like onion and garlic have the potential to affect your breath. This is a temporary odor. Eating lots of sugary foods is also linked with bad breath

Dry mouth: Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth. It neutralizes acids produced by plaque, washing away bacteria accumulating on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. A decrease in saliva production reduces the mouth cleaning efficiency and cannot remove debris and particles. A dry mouth is also a side effect of a certain medicine, salivary gland disease, or continuous breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.

Improper denture cleaning: If dentures are not cleaned properly, odor-causing bacteria and food particles are confined in the denture causing bad odor in the mouth.

Tobacco products: Cigarettes and cigars stain the teeth. It also reduces the ability to taste foods and irritates your gums leading to bad breath.

Infection in your mouth: Bad breath can be caused by the removal of teeth, tooth decay, mouth ulcers, or gum diseases.

Periodontal disease: Bleeding and swollen gums lead to periodontal disease followed by bad breath. This needs immediate care by a dentist near you. Contact Dr. Dalal for further information.

Systemic diseases: Gastroesophageal reflux, diabetes, metabolic diseases, or cancer also contribute to bad breath. Book a routine health check in a hospital near you.

Prevention

Try making lifestyle changes such as:

• Brushing your teeth daily twice, scraping the tongue, and flossing in between the teeth.
• Replace the toothbrush after 4 to 5 months or after an illness.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Proper denture cleaning.
• Avoid dry mouth by using artificial saliva preparation or oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.

Persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of gum disease.

Dr. Dalal will evaluate your medical history and recommend the treatment as per your need. Schedule regular dental checkups for professional cleaning of teeth and replacement of faulty restoration and filling of decayed teeth.