What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is a common problem that is often a sign of underlying conditions that need treatment. Your dentist Solana Beach can help you find the source of unpleasant odors coming from the mouth, so you can enjoy greater confidence when interacting with others. Here are a few issues that are often the cause of bad breath.

Food Choices

Unfortunately, some of the items that make food tasty are also the worst causes of bad breath. These foods include garlic, onions and highly spiced foods that can leave tiny particlesof debris in the teeth that cause bad breath. Similarly, eating tuna or other types of fish can cause foul breath odors. Brushing carefully and using a dental rinse after eating these foods can help to relieve bad breath problems from eating. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can dry out oral tissues and cause halitosis as well. If you drink water after consuming these beverages, you can prevent unpleasant mouth odors.

Oral and Dental Issues

Bad teeth, gum disease and mouth ulcers can also lead to bad breath. These conditions must be treated in order to resolve the underlying problem, in order for the breath to return to normal. Your dentist Solana Beach can help to diagnose the issue, so you can receive effective treatment that will stop bad breath problems.

Tobacco Use

Smoking can cause odors to linger in the mouth for hours afterward. In addition, smoking can also cause dryness of mouth,also contributing to bad breath. Sweeter breath is another good reason to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about effective ways to quit.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can occur because of medications you take or simple because you don’t produce sufficient saliva to keep oral tissues moistened. Frequent sips of water can help, and a number of oral rinses are on the market that can relieve dry mouth discomfort and bad breath.

Medications

Some medications that are used to treat medical problems can break down in the body into chemicals that contribute to bad breath. Antihistamines, antidepressants, anticholinergics and decongestants can have this effect. If you notice this problem, talk to your doctor. A change of medication may help.

Medical Conditions

Poorly controlled diabetes can result in a buildup of ketones in the body, which can cause bad breath. Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) can also have this effect, as can sinus or upper respiratory infections. Severe kidney disease can also lead to bad breath issues.

If you have become aware of a bad breath problem, take steps to assess your diet and oral health to get to the bottom of the problem. Your doctor or your dentist Solana Beach CA can offer other solutions to help in your fight against bad breath.