No one likes to have bad breath or be around someone else who has bad breath. We all might experience it acutely after eating foods like garlic or onions, but chronic bad breath can be a problem.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can occur for a variety of reasons. Basically, bad breath is created by the natural bacterial colonies that live in our mouths when they are allowed to get a bit out of hand. After eating, bacteria feeds on the food particles that are left behind and can cause foul smells that create bad breath. One way to get rid of this is to keep bacteria populations under control by maintaining a healthy mouth. This, of course, is accomplished through regular brushing, flossing, and the use of mouth rinses and tongue scrapers.
Dehydration can also be a causative factor for bad breath. Keeping your mouth moist with your saliva helps to wash away bacteria. Some medications may contribute to dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Some ways to keep your mouth hydrated include eating healthy foods that require chewing (such as apples and carrots), chewing sugar free gum, sucking on sugar free lozenges, drinking ample water, and avoiding mouth breathing. Of course, smoking can create dry mouth, amplifying the bad breath already common to tobacco use.
Sometimes, chronic bad breath may be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Some signs that you may have gum disease include red or swollen gums or gums that have pulled away from the teeth. If your gums bleed easily, this could also be a sign of gum disease. Chronic gum disease can lead to loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and should be taken seriously.
In a way, your bad breath is giving you a warning that something is wrong. The best thing to do for bad breath is keep up with your regular six month visits with your dentist and to have a conversation with your dentist about possible causes and solutions to the problem. He or she will be able to let you know right away if you should have any concerns. If you have any other questions on this topic, please let us know. We would be happy to discuss the issue with you.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
