What Are the Common Causes of Halitosis and Tips to Prevent It

Bad breath is a common dental issue but it is important to prevent and get rid of it. Bad breath, also known as halitosis can embarrass you in front of others. People might avoid hanging out with you and soon it can become the reason for your low self –esteem. Let’s explore some common causes of bad breath.

• Bacterial Attack

One of the main reasons for bad breath is bacteria in your mouth says the dentist near you. All of us have some bacteria in our mouth but the problem arises when their number increases. Lack of oral hygiene routine and consuming sugar and carbs can lead to bacterial attack. When sweet and carbs remain on your teeth for longer, they attract bacteria, says the Satsuma dentist.

• Dry Mouth

According to the dentist in Satsuma, dry mouth is yet another cause of bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused because of a lack of hydration, taking certain medications, or consumption of alcohol. When the mouth is dry, there is no enough saliva to wash away the food particles and plaque. Thus, they remain accumulated on teeth causing bad breath.

• Gum Disease

Lack of oral hygiene and the accumulation of plaque is responsible for gum disease. Bad breath that refuses to go away can be a sign of gum disease.

• Certain Foods

Bad breath can also be caused by certain foods such as garlic, onions, tea, and coffee. These food and beverages are strong in flavor. If you don’t rinse your mouth after having them, they can cause bad breath.

• Consuming Tobacco and Smoking

According to the dentist in Satsuma AL, smoking and chewing tobacco can not only stain your teeth but can also put you at risk of various health problems along with leading to bad breath.

• Medical Condition

Mouth infections can also become a reason for bad breath. Other conditions that can lead to bad breath are acid reflux, diabetes, liver, or kidney issues.

Tips to Keep Bad Breath at Bay

• Brush and Floss

One of the first measures to take for combating bad breath is regular brushing and flossing your teeth. You must brush your teeth twice a day and floss them at least once to keep plaque and bacteria away from your mouth. In case you happen to have strongly flavored food, brush your teeth after having the meal.

• Anti-bacterial Mouthwash

Another tip is to use a good mouthwash for rinsing your mouth after brushing as well as after snacking or having beverages. This will prevent bacterial attack and accumulation of plaque which are the main causes of bad breath.

• Keeping the Dentures Clean

If you wear dentures, you must clean them every day at night so that you can use them the next day. Not cleaning them thoroughly can lead to halitosis.

• Brush Before Wearing Invisalign

If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is important to brush your teeth before wearing the aligners back. Not brushing will leave food particles in the mouth which will attract bacteria and lead to bad breath causing plaque. Also, if you are wearing traditional braces, it is important to brush properly as food particles and plaque get stuck in wires and brackets of the braces.

• Stay Hydrated

You must stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth as it causes bad breath. It is recommended to have plain water instead of colas or juices. Drinking enough water will keep the saliva flowing in your mouth. You can also chew sugar-free gums for stimulating saliva in your mouth.

• Quit Smoking

Though it is not possible to quit smoking in a day, one can certainly do it gradually by limiting it. It will not only help in preventing bad breath but also prevent oral issues.

• Visiting the Dentist

You must visit the dentist in 36572 at regular intervals for examination and cleaning so that you can enjoy good oral health.

Bad breath can sometimes be an indication of an underlying dental issue. In this case, all your remedial and preventive measures may fail to show effects. If that happens, the right way to deal with bad breath is to see a dentist near you for diagnosis and treatment.