You know that guy in the office who always had bad breath? You don’t want to be that guy. Nor do you want to be the woman who is constantly popping mints because she is self-conscious about her breath. If an unpleasant odor comes out when you open your mouth, you might benefit from knowing the main causes of bad breath, as explained by your dentist in Norwalk. When you learn about the possible culprits behind the problem, you’re better equipped to solve the issue and get your confidence back.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of bad breath, which is also known as halitosis. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. Using an antibacterial mouthwash may also help. And never neglect your twice-yearly visits to the dentist. A professional cleaning can vanquish bacteria that you might miss during your regular routine.

Diet

Some foods, like garlic and onions, are notorious for producing bad breath. These foods get into your blood, your blood goes to your lungs, and you breathe out unpleasant odors. Other foods cause bad breath because the particles get stuck between teeth.

However, it isn’t always foods themselves that cause bad breath. When you go on a crash diet, particularly one that is low in carbohydrates, the breakdown of fats in your body produces chemicals that have an icky smell.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is a natural cleaning agent in your mouth. When saliva production drops, whether because your mouth is naturally dry or you’re taking a prescription that causes dry mouth, bad odors can result. Your dentist can prescribe a medication to increase saliva.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, can cause the gums to recede. Bacteria builds up in the resulting holes, leading to bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath that just won’t go away, you should visit your dentist in Norwalk right away. The sooner treatment for gum disease starts, the greater the chances are that the damage can be reversed and you can get back to having a healthy — and nice-smelling — mouth.

Other Causes of Bad Breath

The things listed above are just some of the most common causes of bad breath. Other possible issues that can lead to this problem include:

• Bowel obstruction.
• Chronic kidney failure.
• Ketoacidosis (the breakdown of fats that results in the production of chemicals called ketones) due to diabetes.
• Lung infections.

Bad breath might be a temporary situation that you don’t need to worry about, but it could also be an indicator of a more serious problem. If you’re concerned about halitosis, search for a “dentist near me” so you can get help with the issue.

About the Author

Doctors Norman and Adam Sommers are dentists in the Norwalk area who pride themselves on providing excellent patient care. They provide services for the whole family, from cleanings and checkups to cosmetic and restorative procedures. If you have concerns about your oral health, feel free to contact the office at 419-668-3606.