Halitosis refers to chronic bad breath that is caused by bacteria build up in the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bad taste in the mouth. Halitosis can be embarrassing, but fortunately, once you discover the cause, you can treat it. The following are some of the common reasons behind chronic bad breath.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene results in bacteria buildup in the mouth. If plaque and small particles of food aren't regularly removed from your mouth through brushing and flossing, a foul odor can start to develop. This can also be a direct result of what poor oral hygiene leads to, i.e., cavities and gum disease.
Diet
Certain foods and beverages can result in chronic bad breath. This includes food with strong odors such as garlic. Too much sugar, coffee, and alcohol can also contribute to halitosis.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth refers to a condition where your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, leaving your mouth parched. Saliva serves to clean your mouth and gets rid of bad odor – lacking saliva, therefore, results in halitosis.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use not only result in bad breath, but also dry out your mouth. This only serves to worsen halitosis. Since smoking can lead to gum disease, which can cause halitosis, it also plays an indirect role in causing halitosis.
Medical Conditions
In addition to dental conditions like periodontitis, medical conditions like diabetes, lung disease, and kidney disease can also cause halitosis.
Chronic bad breath can be tackled in a number of ways, including maintaining good oral hygiene, using a toothpaste with fluoride in it, replacing your toothbrush more often, and using a tongue scraper.
If you suffer from halitosis, it is a good idea to have it checked out by a professional. By calling Neu Family Dental at (847) 230-9143, you can make an appointment with Dr. Neu or our doctors and discuss your condition in detail.
Dental Blog | Neu Family Dental | East Dundee, IL Neu Family Dental, 573 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee, IL 60118 | (847) 230-9143 | neufamilydental.com | 10/8/2024 | Related Phrases: Dentist East Dundee IL |
Halitosis refers to chronic bad breath that is caused by bacteria build up in the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bad taste in the mouth. Halitosis can be embarrassing, but fortunately, once you discover the cause, you can treat it. The following are some of the common reasons behind chronic bad breath.