Everything You Need To Know About Bad Breath!

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It's embarrassing and can affect your personal and professional life. It's caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods.

What is Halitosis, and How Common Is It?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a medical condition that affects up to 80% of the world's population at some point in their lives. For the majority, this condition only lasts a short while, but for others, it can be chronic. While there are various causes for this problem, there are usually solutions available.

This unpleasant scent is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, which can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene practices like not brushing and flossing regularly. Some foods and drinks can also cause this foul smell, such as garlic, onions, and alcohol-based beverages.

There are a number of ways to prevent and treat halitosis, including regular checkups and cleanings with your dental hygienist. If bad breath persists, ask your hygienist about possible treatments. These may include special mouthwashes, a change in diet, or more frequent cleanings.

If you're suffering from halitosis, you aren't alone. This problem is extremely common and has many potential causes. Talk to your dentist today to learn more about solutions for your situation.

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are many things that can cause bad breath, but the most common is poor oral hygiene and dry mouth. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and maintaining a healthy diet can greatly reduce your risk of bad breath. Brushing your teeth twice each day, flossing daily, eating a healthy balanced diet, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can help you maintain optimal oral health.

A dry mouth can also cause bad breath due to less saliva production. Your saliva helps wash away food debris, bacteria, and dead cells in your mouth and helps neutralize acids in the mouth. Without proper saliva production, the bacteria that cause bad breath will continue to build up in your mouth. Some common causes of dry mouth include smoking, certain medications, chewing tobacco or nicotine gum, dehydration, nerve damage to the jaw, and even stress. Drinking plenty of water can help combat dry mouth by increasing your saliva production.

There are also several medical conditions that can cause bad breath as a symptom. Being screened for these conditions by your doctor can help you manage the symptoms associated with these health conditions, including bad breath. Some of the most common conditions that cause bad breath include diabetes, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, kidney failure, acid reflux, liver disease, and liver or kidney problems. Cancers of the head and neck may also cause bad breath as a symptom of cancer. When undergoing cancer treatments, be sure to talk to your physician about ways you can manage any symptoms that may develop.

If you've been experiencing persistent bad breath, speak with your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms and what treatments may be right for you.