Bad breath is something that plagues everyone from time to time. You enjoy an Italian meal loaded with garlic, you (and those around you) will know it for a day or two. However, what about those who are constantly plagued with bad breath? Those who cannot find relief no matter how often they chew gum, brush their teeth, or rinse with mouthwash? If you are someone who is afflicted by bad breath, take heart – there are things you can do to overcome this burden.
While this seems more than obvious, bad breath is caused by something affecting your mouth. Yet, it is not always what you expect it to be. You could avoid garlic and onions like the plague and still be burdened by constant bad breath. The most important thing about bad breath is to find the source of the problem and to then remove it.
Bacteria thrive inside the mouth where it is warm, moist, and constantly fed. Bacteria inside the mouth live off the food particles that are left behind every time you eat or drink anything other than water. When bacteria are not expelled from the mouth multiple times a day, they will begin to congregate, amass in large quantities of plaque, and begin to decompose your gum tissues. This can be a very stinky problem. Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough. Floss is the only tool designed to clean the areas between the teeth where bacteria become trapped. Floss is also the only tool specifically designed to removed trapped food particles that become stuck between the teeth. If popcorn kernels, pieces of lettuce, small pieces of meat, etc. are left between the teeth, they will begin to rot inside the mouth. Any type of rotting creates foul smells, and inside your mouth it can be even more pronounced. You must get into all of the nooks and crannies of your mouth to make sure bacteria and bits of food do not linger.
Another cause of bad breath is systemic disease. Diabetes, kidney failure, and respiratory infections can have a direct negative impact on your breath. The same is often true of certain medications used to treat these diseases. It is important to talk to your dentist regarding any medications that you are taking to understand the direct affect to your breath and oral health. Dry mouth is a common side-effect of many medications, and without the proper production of saliva, bad breath can be difficult to manage.
If you are plagued by bad breath, contact Group Health Dental. We will help you find the source of your problem and a solution to overcome it.
