Dark-haired woman covers her mouth with her hands due to chronic bad breath

Why Does My Breath Smell Bad?

February 28, 2022 10:54 pm

Your breath can fluctuate throughout the day. While eating onions, garlic, and fish can cause temporary bad breath, some patients struggle with chronic bad breath, called halitosis.

What Causes Bad Breath?

The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria overgrowth, particularly on the tongue, from poor oral hygiene.

However, bad breath can be connected to a larger issue. If you experience bad breath alongside swollen, bleeding, red gums, or increased tooth sensitivity, you likely have gum disease, an ailment caused by the overgrowth of plaque and bacteria under the gum line. Untreated diabetes can also cause bad breath, which requires urgent medical attention!

Other factors that can contribute to bad breath include:

  • Infection
  • Poor diet
  • Dry mouth
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Certain medications
  • Tonsil stones
  • Fasting

Bad Breath Treatment

To mask bad breath, you can use mouthwash, chew sugar-free gum, and brush your teeth with a strong mint toothpaste to give your breath a boost of freshness.

However, preventing bad breath is more effective. If you have chronic bad breath, you should work with a dentist to figure out the root cause of your bad breath, whether it’s gum disease, an imbalanced diet, poor oral hygiene, or something else. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year will allow them to carefully monitor your progress and develop targeted treatment plans that can freshen up your breath and improve your confidence and quality of life.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Broken Arrow, OK

At Lynn Lane Family Dentistry, we use the latest technology and techniques to deliver efficient and effective oral healthcare to our patients. We can determine if you require a deep cleaning or other treatment to enjoy fresher breath and a healthier smile.

We offer a comprehensive range of services geared towards patients of all ages with various medical backgrounds. Whether you need routine care or you have a specific concern, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment!

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