What Causes Bad Breath?

Have you ever wondered what causes bad breath, commonly known as halitosis? Dr. Sandler, a Solana Beach dentist explains: bad breath can be the byproduct of a variety of different dental problems; however, in many cases, the noxious odors are linked to poor oral hygiene. In fact, the leading cause of prolonged bad breath is gum disease. So why do we emphasize “prolonged bad breath?” In most instances, the problem can quickly be remediated by brushing your teeth and using a mouth rinse.

Gum disease, on the other hand, can only be resolved by visiting a dental practitioner. In this article, we will explore the many causes of halitosis and when scheduling a dental visit is essential.

ARE YOUR FOOD CHOICES THE PROBLEM?

Although certain foods can cause bad breath, the foul smell will dissipate after the food travels through the digestive tract and is ultimately removed from the body. Of course, this takes time, so using a mouth rinse, breath mints, or brushing your teeth will suffice in the interim. Also, you may want to avoid foods that contain garlic, onions, and other odorous ingredients if you have to interact with others soon after, especially if those interactions mean being in close proximity of others.

SMOKING AND CHEWING TOBACCO

It should be noted that tobacco-based products can contribute to bad breath as well, and therefore, you should avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco. In addition to bad breath, these products are renowned for being carcinogenic and causing stained teeth, irritated gums, and an inability to properly taste foods.

Now that we have identified some of the causes of bad breath, which can be resolved without seeking dental care, let’s take a look at gum disease and why visiting a dentist in Solana Beach may be necessary.

Gum disease is, in most cases, is precipitated by poor oral hygiene. If plaque, for example, is not removed through regular brushing, it can harden and turn into tartar. This bacteria will over time result in irritated gums and the formation of toxins, which not only causes bad breath but also damages gum tissue and could lead to bone loss.

In summary, if your bad breath is accompanied by gums that bleed while brushing or are otherwise sensitive, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a Solana Beach dentist today. A professional dental exam can help identify the root cause of your bad breath, which in addition to what has already been covered in this article, includes poorly fitting dental appliances, cavities, and oral yeast infections.

For more information contact dentist in San Diego at Solana Family Dental (858) 345-4497.