Everyone has experienced it – breath that makes you want to keep your mouth covered and avoid talking to other people. It’s very common, and there are many ways to deal with it, whether it’s an occasional issue or a serious problem. But have you ever wondered what actually causes the bad breath you hope to avoid? These are some of the usual causes of the bad breath that everyone experiences.
Foods: Probably the most common bad breath culprit, the food you eat can leave a distinct and long-last odour at times. Obvious items like garlic, coffee, and onions are well known culprits, but even spicy foods can cause bad breath. The solution is simple – when you don’t want to avoid these foods, make sure you brush your teeth after eating them to remove any traces and to freshen your breath.
Improper Dental Care: If you haven’t been strict about your daily dental care, it could be the answer to your halitosis. Sometimes you just want to skip brushing or flossing – we understand! But when you do, bacteria and plaque wreak havoc on your mouth, and can result in bad breath. So be sure to brush at least twice each day, and floss at least once daily, even when you don’t want to.
Stomach Issues: Both stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can result in bad breath. Halitsosis due to ulcers is caused by bad bacteria, while GERD is due to stomach acids coming back up into the esophagus. In both cases, a medical examination is advised to properly treat the issues.
Dry Mouth: Hydration plays a large role in keeping bad breath at bay. Without sufficient saliva, food particles and bacteria can create the odour you may be experiencing. Luckily, it’s easy to fix and prevent dry mouth. Drinking water throughout the day and ensuring that you stay well hydrated will flush out the bad bacteria – mouthwash can also be an extra step to further rinse out your mouth.
If you’re experiencing recurring bad breath due to these or any other causes, talk to your dentist at your next appointment. Call us at Southeast Dental in Markham, and our dental professionals will help find the right solutions to your bad breath problems.