Three Dental Causes of Bad Breath

Is Halitosis a problem that you struggle with?

Chronic bad breath can be embarrassing on both private and social levels, whether we’re aware of it or not. It’s usually a sensitive subject for our patients to discuss, but at Studfield Dental Group we’re happy to help you determine the underlying cause of breath malodour and what to do to help it.

Aside from avoiding odorous foods like garlic and dairy, here are three big issues that can cause halitosis (bad breath):

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Dry mouth can be caused by a number of issues; most commonly reactions to medications can cause side effects of dry mouth. Many mouth washes used in most households contain alcohol which dries out your soft tissues causing dry mouth.

Xerostomia isn’t just bothersome, it affects the natural flora levels of healthy bacteria inside of your mouth. As a result, unhealthy ones can flourish, creating an odour that seems impossible to fight off. Ask our dentists about treatments for dry mouth. In the meantime, sip on water as frequently as possible throughout the day.

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)

Periodontal disease has a very distinct odour that it gives off, and you won’t be able to cover it up no matter what you do to try.

To eliminate the bacteria giving off the foul smell, you need to have the areas deep under your gumlines cleaned by a professional. Eliminating the source of infection and any necrotic tissues left behind are the best first steps toward fresher breath.

Cleaning Your Tongue

The tongue houses somewhere around 90% of the bacteria that cause bad breath. If you’re not cleaning your tongue each time you brush and floss, those odorous bacteria aren’t going anywhere. Invest in a soft plastic tongue cleaner, or at the very least, brush your tongue from back to front to remove some of the residue.

Schedule an exam at Studfield Dental Group to speak to our oral health experts about some easier ways to enjoy fresher, healthier breath.