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Dental well-being is mostly about keeping your teeth cavity-free and your gums healthy. However, it is also a matter of being socially adept. Having a winning smile is charming, but your breath, whether fresh or foul, will seal your impression.
Halitosis, or bad breath, is a constant source of embarrassment among many people. This isn’t morning breath, which goes away. When you have halitosis, no matter how many mints you ingest, sometimes they are not enough to mask the smell. While it is not a disease, it certainly produces a lot of awkward situations. Read on for common causes of halitosis and what can be done to remedy it.
Cavities and gingivitis
Bad breath is a symptom of bacteria. If you have halitosis, you might have unaddressed tooth decay or gum infection. To mitigate the spread of bacteria, you should have your teeth checked regularly by a dentist. Get yourself scheduled for teeth cleaning at least once every six months as well.
Sometimes, even if you have good mouth hygiene, you might leave behind some plaque. When it builds up, it can develop into a cavity. Do not let it get to that point; schedule regular oral prophylaxis with your dentist.
Oral health issues
Of course, when you do not brush your teeth, it will lead to cavities and halitosis. Strive to brush your teeth after every meal, or at least thrice a day. You must also regularly floss to capture those food particles that get stuck between the teeth.
Aside from brushing and flossing your teeth, you should also scrape your tongue for food and drink debris. Clearing your tongue removes bacteria from your mouth. Sometimes, this is the only reason that people have halitosis. When you keep your tongue clean, you are likely to avoid bad breath.
Triggering habits
Smoking is a prime contributor to halitosis. If you want nicer-smelling breath, you should strive to quit smoking. There are many health benefits to quitting, and a fresher smile is one of them. When you quit tobacco, you keep your teeth whiter and your breath fresher.
One thing that helps people to quit smoking is using chewing gum in its place. Before you use gum as a replacement, though, consult with your dentist and your doctor about aids to quitting smoking.
Ingesting particular food or drink
Coffee, spicy food, onions, and garlic produce aromas that are too pungent for many toothpaste formulas. If you are a fan of any of the above, consider cutting back on your favorite food. It might be a pain to do so, but you’ll reap the benefits of having a fresher breath if you do.
Aside from this, keeping yourself hydrated also keeps bad breath at bay. Dry mouths are much more conducive to bacterial growth, so keep drinking water.
Chronic conditions
Sometimes, it goes beyond diet or habits. If you have a chronic condition like gastric reflux or diabetes, it may be what is causing your halitosis. In this case, going further in and addressing the underlying cause will remedy the bad breath.
Conclusion
There is no substitute for proper habits. Bad breath will be addressed if you regularly brush and floss, stay hydrated, and keep away from food and drinks that cause halitosis. Quitting smoking is also a way of maintaining fresh breath. If you do all these and the halitosis persists, consult your local dentist. There may be an underlying problem they need to see right away.
If you are looking for a dentist in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, schedule a consultation with us today. Our team of professionals will be ready to answer any questions you have and offer affordable, long-term solutions. Contact us today to learn more.
