Some may have noticed that they don’t have the freshest breath. Those suffering from bad breath can finally realize they need to seek treatment. Bad breath (halitosis) affects nearly 1 in 4 people. If you’ve recently discovered that you’re suffering from bad breath, one of the following causes may be to blame.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common reasons you’re suffering from bad breath is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t effectively clean your teeth, food particles stay behind to cause sticky and smelly bacteria-filled plaque. When this plaque rests on your teeth and between your gums, it can cause your breath to smell. By getting regular dental cleanings and brushing and flossing regularly at home, you can beat this cause of bad breath.
2. Drinking Coffee or Alcohol
Coffee not only has a strong flavor, but it decreases saliva production in your mouth. This means your mouth isn’t flushing away bacteria as often as it should which can cause your breath to stink. Alcohol has a similar effect as coffee. It decreases saliva production which can cause bacteria to flourish. For best results, stay hydrated and brush and floss your teeth after drinking coffee or alcohol.
3. Eating a High Sugar Diet
When sugar interacts with bacteria that already exist in your mouth, it causes the bacteria to create an unpleasant smell. Pay attention to how much sugar you consume in your diet and try to brush your teeth afterward to avoid smelly breath.
4. Eating a Low Carb Diet
When you’re on a low carb diet, it changes the way your metabolism functions. When you’re eating a large amount of protein, it can be difficult for your body to digest. Instead, the body releases sulfurous gases which can cause bad breath. If you’ve heard of Keto breath, this is what it is.
5. Smoking
Smoking not only causes bad breath from all of the toxins you’re consuming, but it’s terrible for your dental health. If you care about your health or breath at all, stop smoking.
6. Dry Mouth
Just like coffee and alcohol limit saliva production, so does dry mouth. Without a constant flow of saliva to wash away bacteria, it can linger in the mouth and cause bad breath. Make sure you stay hydrated with water throughout the day to prevent bad breath.
7. Digestive Issues
Constipation, bowel disorders, bad digestion, and acid reflux can cause odors to travel up from your stomach and lead to bad breath.
8. Certain Prescriptions
Some prescriptions list dry mouth as a side effect. If you experience dry mouth from a prescription, it will cause bad breath. Certain medications may affect your breath due to the chemical that travels through your bloodstream to your breath.
9. Other Causes
There are many other causes of bad breath like sinus infections, allergies, postnasal drip, tonsil infections and so much more.
Learn More About Bad Breath Treatment in Spokane
If you would like to get to the bottom of your bad breath and treat it for good, please contact Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics to learn how you can address your breath at home until you can see us at our Spokane dental office again.
