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Most of us have suffered from halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, at one time or another. Generally speaking, it’s not that big of a deal as it can be quickly remedied by chewing gum, brushing our teeth, or rinsing our mouths with an antiseptic mouthwash, but chronic halitosis is another matter entirely. In most cases, chronic bad breath is a byproduct of poor oral health or an underlying physical health problem, say dentists in Encinitas and dentists in Carlsbad. And this, by the way, is not solely the opinions of a few California-based dentists; a study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed the same.

carlsbad dentist

 

Dentists in Encinitas Weigh In on What Causes Temporary and Occasional Bad Breath

 

According to dentists in Encinitas, along with Carlsbad dentists and just about all dental practitioners in San Diego County, the following are among the most common contributors to temporary and occasional bad breath:

 

Certain foods – Sometimes, the foods we love don’t always love us back, at least not when it comes to keeping our breath fresh. According to the same study from Johns Hopkins Medicine, not to mention echoed by dentists in Del Mar, Carlsbad, and other practitioners in and around San Diego County, foods prepared with a lot of garlic and onions can cause temporary bad breath. And this is because they contain sulfur-containing chemicals that can negatively affect our breath for up to 24 hours.

Xerostomia – Also known as dry mouth, xerostomia is a common cause of bad breath. It can be caused by taking specific medications or constant mouth breathing. Additionally, it can be a byproduct of a severe health problem, such as a salivary gland disorder or oral cancer.

Unclean dentures – If you wear dentures, keeping them clean can go a long way toward keeping your breath smelling its best. Dentures not thoroughly cleaned can be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and food particles, all of which can give rise to bad breath, say dentists in Del Mar.

 

Carlsbad Dentists Discuss When Bad Breath Should Be a Cause for Concern

 

Several things can contribute to chronic bad breath, and they should all prompt individuals to schedule an appointment with a licensed dentist or physician as soon as possible.  Some of the more notable ones, according to most Carlsbad dentists, along with dentists in Del Mar and dentists in Encinitas, include the following:

 

Cavities and tooth decay – Also known as dental caries, cavities can lead to tooth decay the longer they go untreated. Along with pain, bad breath is a clear sign that an individual’s cavity has progressed to tooth decay.

Periodontal disease – Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth are two hallmark symptoms of periodontal disease. The longer this particular oral health problem goes untreated, the more likely it is to give way to tooth loss, which makes bad breath even worse. And this is because the hole left behind from one or more missing teeth can start to fill with odor-causing bacteria. Poor oral hygiene and smoking are the two leading causes of periodontal disease.

Health problems – According to most dentists and physicians in San Diego County, bad breath can be a sign of multiple physical health problems, including

 

 

Bottom Line

All in all, bad breath can stem from a plurality of things.  In some cases, we can get rid of it on our own; other times, however, it will require seeking the help of a healthcare professional.  Bearing that in mind, if you’re suffering from chronic bad breath, you’re encouraged to schedule an appointment with a Carlsbad dentist, a dentist in Del Mar, or any of the other trusted dental practitioners in the greater San Diego County area today.