Bad Breath Needs To Go

By Joseph Luke, DDS, MS

Joseph T. Luke, DDS

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Bad Breath Needs To Go

The official term for bad breath is halitosis, but a fancy name doesn't make up for the fact that is a very unpleasant condition.

There are many causes of bad breath as identified by the American Dental Association

Food. What you eat affects the air you exhale, like garlic or onions. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food can remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

Gum disease.Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease; which is caused by plaque.

Dry mouth.This occurs when the flow of saliva decreases and can be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Without enough saliva, food particles are not cleaned away. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy or increase your fluid intake.

Smoking and tobacco.In addition to staining teeth and being bad for overall health, tobacco can add to bad breath. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Medical conditions.Some illnesses have symptoms related to bad breath. Sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and some liver or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.

One of the best defenses against bad breath is to maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between your teeth daily, cleaning your tongue and having routine professional dental exams and cleanings. Mouthwash is also good to mask odor temporarily but generally do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath.

If you suffer from chronic, severe bad breath, it is best to consult your dentist for help identifying the cause and determining an effective treatment.