What’s more embarrassing than spilling your drink on a first date? Bad breath. The drink can be cleaned up, your shirt will dry, but you’re out of luck when bad breath hits; gums and mints can only do so much.
At Metropolitan Dental Care, we want to educate our patients on healthy dental habits. Here are the six most common causes of bad breath and what you can do about them.
1.Dry Mouth
Your saliva is essential for protecting your mouth and teeth against gum disease, cavities, infection, and bad breath. Saliva contains electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds, and enzymes that strengthen and repair the enamel on teeth, and it also destroys bacteria that causes stinky breath.
If your mouth is dry, we suggest that you drink more water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid alcohol, but the only surefire way to eliminate dry mouth is to visit one of our dentists.
2.Periodontal Disease
Bad breath – also known as halitosis – is one of the first signs of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). When plaque builds up on teeth, toxins form and the gums become irritated. If left untreated, this infection will become worse and worse. If you don’t see improvements in your breath after a couple days of using good oral habits, a visit to your dentist should be priority.
3.Certain Food and Beverages
Garlic, onions, dairy, coffee – each of these items can cause bad breath, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop consuming them. After eating, brush your teeth to get rid of any lingering particles. If you drink dairy, coffee, or tea, follow it up with a glass of water to stay hydrated and wash the bacteria away.
Maintaining healthy oral habits like brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash will help diminish bad bacteria that causes smelly breath.
4.Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking stains your teeth, reduces your ability to taste foods, irritates your gums, and also causes bad breath. Tobacco users are much more likely to suffer from periodontal disease than non-tobacco users.
5.Medical Conditions
A sinus infection, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease all cause smelly breath. If your dentist rules out oral causes, seek medical attention from your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Meet with Your Denver Dentist Today
At Metropolitan Dental Care, we want to help you form good oral habits. One of the most important habits is to attend a dental cleaning every six months. This is one of your major defenses against bad breath. We will use gentle and diligent methods to rid your mouth of plaque and tartar that can result in smelly breath, cavities, and gum disease. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, ask about how our thorough dental cleanings can improve the health of your mouth.
Learn more about taking care of your teeth by browsing our website and by visiting our Denver, CO office. Contact our friendly staff today at (303) 534-2626 to schedule your appointment.
