Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

It can be hard to get bad breath under control. However, figuring out what the cause is can help the patient and dentist determine how to treat it. In this article, sufferers can go over a few reasons that may indicate why halitosis may be affecting them. Those unable to get rid of their bad breath may find this information to be helpful. If the problem persists, ultimately it can help to consult with a dental hygienist or dentist so that they can evaluate the mouth.

Common causes of bad breath

Unfortunately, bad breath is not caused by one single thing. There are various reasons why one's breath may not be as fresh as they would like. Find out more below.

Gum disease

One of the leading causes of bad breath is gum disease. When the gums become infected, they often let out a foul odor that can circulate throughout the mouth. Infections are caused by harmful bacteria, which will induce foul breath. A periodontist or dentist can help treat the gum disease to eliminate the odorous breath with cleaning as well as a procedure known as scaling and root planing.

Poor oral hygiene

Having bad oral hygiene is another leading cause of bad breath. It is important for people of all ages to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as rinsing with a mouthwash or saltwater.

When a person’s mouth has not been kept clean through appropriate oral hygiene, it is likely that their breath will reflect that. A dentist can conduct a thorough cleaning to help with this. 

Tooth decay

The teeth are similar to the gums, in the sense that when there is an infection present, the entire mouth will be affected. Tooth decay essentially means a rotting tooth, which can cause the entire mouth to smell unpleasant.

Dentists can treat tooth decay through a dental crown or filling, depending on the severity. However, if the decay is extreme, then tooth replacement may be considered. This can be achieved through dentures or dental implants. Both restoration and replacement should eliminate the bad breath. 

Post-nasal drip

Some people have an ongoing nasal drip that causes bad breath. Oftentimes, when a sinus infection occurs, the bad breath is heightened. However, there are also times when a post-nasal drip is just the norm for people, which also means that the bad breath also becomes normal.

Post-nasal drip is something that a doctor or ENT can diagnose and treat. They could then work with the dentist to come up with a plan to control the bad breath.

Contact us today

Is bad breath something that you are struggling to get under control? Our team may be able to help. It is important to figure out what is causing the bad breath and we can help you do that. Give us a call or stop by our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.texasstarsmiles.com or call Texas Star Smiles & Fastbraces at (254) 237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.

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