Do you find yourself shying away from social encounters or hiding your smile behind your hands because of the smell of your breath? You can pop in a mint for a quick fix, but that won’t solve the underlying problem that’s causing your dilemma. Since nearly every case of bad breath is the result of an oral health issue, a few simple adjustments to your daily dental routine could be the solution you need. Read on as your Murphy dentist explains what’s causing that embarrassing odor and what you can do to freshen your smile.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Knowing what causes your breath to stink is a key part of treating it as well as preventing it. The most common culprits behind that bad odor are:
- Poor oral hygiene: If lingering food particles are allowed to collect on your tongue, under your gums, or between your teeth, your natural oral bacteria will begin to break them down, which releases foul-smelling gases.
- Oral infections: When bacteria begin to attack and cause tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores, they give off chemicals that contain a strong odor.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps rinse away food particles and hinder the growth of bacteria. Without it, bacteria can freely eat the leftover particles and create stinky gases.
- Larger health issues: Occasionally, halitosis could indicate larger health issues like digestive problems, diabetes, or gum disease.
Tips for Keeping Your Smile Fresh
Thankfully, knowing what to avoid goes a long way in keeping your breath fresh. For additional support, you can effectively and thoroughly remove the stinky food particles and bacteria by:
- Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Flossing your teeth and brushing your tongue daily.
- Limiting your sugar intake and eating healthier foods.
- Fending off dry mouth by chewing sugar-free gum and staying hydrated.
- Seeing your dentist regularly to spot and stop oral health issues as early as possible.
Just because we all experience bad breath sometimes doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do about it. Remember what causes halitosis and practice these simple ways to prevent it to keep your smile looking, feeling, and smelling its best!
About the Author
Dr. Khushboo Gandhi of Murphy Dental Home uses a combination of state-of-the-art technology and her years of training and experience to help you overcome any oral health obstacle you may face. However, she would much rather help you prevent those issues from developing in the first place! She and her talented team go above and beyond to ensure you feel as comfortable and at-ease as possible while you get the excellent dental care you need. If you’re concerned about your bad breath, she would be more than happy to help you regain a fresh, happy smile, so feel free to contact her via her website or at (972) 532-6506.