Bad breath can be an embarrassing condition to deal with, but it’s a real issue that affects just about everyone at some point in their life. Although chewing gum or eating mints can help keep your breath fresh temporarily, it doesn’t necessarily get to the root of the problem. Knowing the cause of your bad breath can help you avoid the situation or seek the right treatment.
Discussed below are eight common causes of bad breath. Removing certain foods from your diet or making simple lifestyle adjustments may be the answer to your problems. At Metropolitan Dental Care, we offer bad breath treatment at our Denver and Lone Tree locations to help our patients maintain fresh breath and healthy smiles. We can also help you determine the exact cause of your bad breath to help you avoid embarrassing encounters. To schedule your initial consult, simply fill out our online form or give us a call at 303.534.2626.
Morning Breath
Just about everyone wakes up in the morning with bad breath. Why? As you sleep, saliva production dramatically decreases. When you combine this with the bacteria that are alive and well inside your mouth – it can produce a foul smell. Your body is also busy digesting and detoxifying during the night. If you have trouble breathing through your nose and tend to snore or breathe through your mouth throughout the night, this can also cause bad breath.
To minimize the odor associated with morning breath, you need to brush your teeth and floss right before going to bed and first thing in the morning. This will remove any trapped food and bacteria buildup.
Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
Smoking and chewing tobacco are not only bad for your oral and physical health, they can lead to teeth discoloration and bad breath. Tobacco products are known for producing foul odor compounds that remain in a person’s mouth that even chewing gum cannot hide. Smoking also slows saliva production and causes dry mouth. Prolonged dry mouth allows bacteria to build up and result in bad breath.
Your Diet
Studies have shown that people who maintain a low-carb diet are more likely to struggle from bad breath. While a lower intake of carbohydrates may be good for your waistline, as the fat is burned, your body releases certain chemicals known as ketones that can cause stinky breath. Consuming certain foods high in sulfur, such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or cabbage can also be a contributor to bad breath.
Medications You’re Taking
Another source of bad breath may be found in your medicine cabinet. Certain prescription and non-prescription medications used to treat allergies, colds, anxiety, epilepsy, and asthma can result in dry mouth. As stated earlier, dry mouth slows saliva production. Saliva is necessary for removing food and bacteria from your mouth and assisting with digestion. While it may be difficult to eliminate a medication completely, you can speak to your doctor about other alternatives or try and increase your water intake throughout the day.
Cold or Sinus Infection
Nasal mucus is meant to filter out foreign particles that are breathed in through your nose. However, when your nose is clogged as a result of a cold or sinus infection, it makes it difficult for the body to breath and properly filter. When mucus builds up, it can settle in your throat and cause infection and bad breath. To make matters worse, a stuffy nose can cause you to continually breath through your mouth and result in dry mouth.
Cavities or Gum Disease
Tooth decay and unchecked infection in your mouth can result in bad breath. If you notice a bad taste in your mouth that will not go away followed by tooth pain or dental sensitivity, it’s vital that you schedule a visit with your dentist right away. You may need a dental filling or periodontal treatment.
Dental Appliances
Braces, Invisalign® aligners, and even restorative devices, such as dentures and dental bridges can lead to higher amounts of plaque buildup. Maintaining good oral hygiene and cleaning your dental appliances thoroughly can help keep your breath fresh.
Learn More About Bad Breath Treatment
If you are embarrassed about your breath and looking for ways to freshen it – please contact our office today online or by calling 303.534.2626. We have two convenient locations in either Denver or Lone Tree.
