Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common issue that can affect anyone. Often temporary, chronic bad breath can impact self-confidence and social interactions. Understanding what causes bad breath near Maryland can help you take steps toward freshening your breath.
Leading Cause? Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss regularly allows plaque and food to build up, leading to bad breath. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help keep your mouth fresh.
Dry Mouth and Dehydration
Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva. It can happen due to dehydration, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. Without adequate moisture, the mouth becomes a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Staying hydrated can help relieve dry mouth and improve breath.
Diet and Food Choices
The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your breath. Choosing a balanced diet and brushing after meals can help reduce the impact of these foods on your breath.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and other tobacco products are known to cause bad breath. Not using any form of tobacco and quitting smoking are the most effective ways to improve both your breath and overall health.
Health Conditions and Medical Issues
Certain health conditions can contribute to bad breath. Sinus infections, respiratory infections, and even conditions like acid reflux or diabetes can result in unpleasant odors. If your bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Halitosis Treatment in Maryland? Contact Us Today!
By understanding what causes halitosis near Maryland, you can take proactive steps to manage and prevent it. If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath, contact us to schedule an appointment today!
What causes bad breath? If you, or a loved one has bad breath that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with halitosis. So, what causes it and how can you treat it? Stick around to find out.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is typically caused by sulfur-producing bacteria. These bacteria live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, they start to break down protein at a very fast rate, creating odorous volatile sulfur compounds (VSC).
Halitosis is not contagious. Around 2.4% of adults suffer from bad breath, but fortunately, there are ways to treat this condition. But first, let’s talk about what causes it.
What causes bad breath?
Other than the sulfur-producing bacteria, the other major causes of halitosis are:
- Dry mouth- caused by alcohol, stress, medications, and medical conditions
- Dental factors like periodontitis or poor oral hygiene
- Smoking, which starves the mouth of oxygen.
Other less common causes include:
- Acid and bile reflux
- Post-nasal discharge
- Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders.
- Certain foods like onions, garlic, and cauliflower. However, this is temporary.
Symptoms of Halitosis
Symptoms include:
- A white coating on the tongue, especially at the back
- Build up around the teeth
- Dry mouth
- Morning bad breath
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste
- Post-nasal drip, or mucous
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
Treatments for Bad Breath
There is no one treatment, it will depend on what is causing your bad breath. A good first step is to make sure you are well hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can help fight bad breath.
Another important action is to clean the tongue. Gentle, but effective tongue cleaning can help fight bacteria growth. Many tongue brushes and scrapers are available. Brush gently from the back to the front of the tongue and pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas, as those will smell the worst.
When to Get Help for Bad Breath
If at home treatments aren’t working, it may be time to speak to your dentist about your bad breath. To schedule an appointment, please contact Hackley DDS today.
