Bad Breath Causes This Holiday Season

If you are constantly worrying about bad breath, you know how it can put a damper on your holiday celebrations. It can make you uncomfortable, self-conscious, and afraid to socialize. And, even if you are not aware of the issue, your bad breath can still leave a very negative impression on those that you are speaking with. That is why there are some causes of bad breath that you need to be aware of this holiday season. Knowing what may elicit bad breath may help you make better choices so you can fight mouth odor and enjoy your holiday. Here are some probable holiday halitosis culprits:

1. Coffee and Alcohol

When you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or coffee, as we tend to do around the holidays, your body is encouraged to urinate more frequently and lead to dehydration, in essence drying out your body. This means you will not produce as much saliva as usual and your mouth will dry out.

Remember, bad breath is caused by the various bacteria that grow inside the mouth. Drinking water and producing your natural saliva wash bacteria away, and this can control odor from forming. So, when your mouth goes dry, bacteria is more likely to grow, and, in turn, you’ll get bad breath. If you are concerned about bad breath, alternate your chosen beverages with glasses of water.

2. Smoking

Many of us smoke cigars to celebrate the holidays. This is especially true on New Year’s Eve. Others may not smoke the majority of the year, but find that they crave a cigarette when they are drinking. Either way, you should know that smoking severely dries out the mouth, adding to the rapid growth of bacteria and causing bad breath.

If you are really craving a cigarette, instead try chewing some sugarless gum. Sugarless gum is actually recommended by dentists to keep cravings for cigarettes and sweets at bay. You can also suck on a mint and make sure either choice is sweetened with Xylitiol.

3. Eating Too Much

What is the number one cause of bad breath around the holidays? The cause is simply binging on great food. The odors of a great mixture of dishes containing onions, garlic, and other notorious offenders are all around us. However, not too many of us worry about washing away the smells that sit in our mouths.

Even though it can get hard when we’re busy, it is a good idea to brush your teeth after every meal. If that is too inconvenient during get-togethers, try rinsing your mouth after eating.

In conclusion, keep these ideas in mind and follow the tips accordingly and you should easily maintain your fresh breath. However, if you cannot beat your halitosis, you may be suffering from a dental issue and you should visit your dentist. Even when the holidays get hectic, area residents still need to keep up with your oral hygiene. And, when they need to see the dentist Solana Beach residents choose Solana Family Dental. At Solana Family Dental, your dentist in Solana Beach, we will assess the problem in a compassionate manner, and we will get to the bottom of any health issue you may have, such as a cavity or infection. Call the dentist Solana Beach CA is raving about today to make an appointment.