We’ve all been there. You’re sitting next to someone in a movie theater or across from a colleague during a meeting and smell it, bad breath. Is it you or the other person? What did you have to eat today? Coffee and toast but no onions and no garlic. What’s the deal?
Having bad breath can be embarrassing and inconvenient. Perhaps you have to buy a pack of gum at the grocery store or sneak off in between meetings to gargle mouthwash, but in most cases these solutions don’t get to the heart of the issue. Bad breath can be a sign from your body that something’s wrong, and getting to the root of the problem can be important.
Here are several common causes behind bad breath.
Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Smoker’s breath is common for those that regularly smoke or use nicotine products. That’s because after a cigarette, smoke particles and chemicals can remain in the mouth up to forty-eight hours after a cigarette has been consumed. Not only this, but extended use of cigarettes can shrink saliva glands, leading to chronic dry mouth.
Chronic Dry Mouth
Saliva has the incredibly important role of washing away food residue and harmful bacteria, and keeping our mouth clean. Not only can dry mouth cause bad breath, it can promote tooth decay, and periodontal disease, as it allows harmful bacteria to congregate on our teeth and in our gums.
Gum Disease
Gum disease or periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, and also cause bad breath. Oral bacteria produce smelly waste that causes your bad breath. Gum disease is classified as a chronic infection that can, over time, significantly impact functions in other parts of the body. Other symptoms of gum disease beyond bad breath can include gum redness or bleeding, loose teeth, or receding gums.
If you suspect you have gum disease, we recommend you schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Poor Oral Hygiene
According the the American Dental Association, patients should brush and floss twice a day. It only take twenty-four hours for plaque to harden and begin causing complications in the mouth, so going even a day without brushing can be dangerous. Flossing can be especially important in deterring gum disease, as it can clean between teeth and below the gum line where brushing cannot reach.
Don’t Skip the Checkups
Because bad breath can be caused by several different disorders including oral cancer, getting regular checkups and cleanings is important to maintaining good oral health, and getting to the bottom of bad breath.
If you can’t remember the last time you had a checkup, then it’s time to schedule one today. If you’re looking for a smile solution in Scripps Ranch, please call (858) 271-1010 today for an appointment with Dr.G at Oasis Dental Arts.