Once in awhile, everyone gets bad breath. Usually, the culprits are the onions you had in your salad, the garlic on your pasta or the anchovies on your pizza. If that is the case, taking two minutes brushing your teeth, or 30 seconds rinsing with mouthwash should solve the problem.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis can also be the result of poor oral hygiene. Food debris on or between your teeth can cause bad breath. Cavities and gum disease can also be contributing factors. Smoking or tobacco use increases the chances that you, and (those around you) will suffer from the effects of bad breath. However, halitosis can also be caused by a lack of saliva, a condition known as dry mouth; and problems in your throat, nasal passages and sinuses can also cause halitosis.
If you are concerned about halitosis, you should speak with our dentist Kenneth Lewis. The dentist may want to talk with your physician about other health issues that may be causing the problem, or it may be you that need a thorough cleaning of your teeth. You might need to have a dental problem addressed.
You might need to get a better toothbrush that can reach all of the parts of your mouth, or you may need to spend more time brushing and flossing. In cases of dry mouth, you may need to drink more water, or your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva. Since your tongue can harbor odor-causing bacteria, you should to brush that as well at least once a day. You might want to consider avoiding or limiting the sugar in your diet, and if you use tobacco, quitting the habit will not only leave you with better breath, but will also lower your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
If you live in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area, you can call 910.488.0518 to make an appointment at Lewis Family Dentistry. We look forward to helping you improve your smile.