Halitosis: Culprits & Solutions

Do you suffer from bad breath? Are you self-conscious that others will notice? Don’t let your struggles have a negative impact on your social life. There are many causes of bad breath, as well as many solutions. Common Causes: Bacteria – Bad breath is often caused by the bacteria in your mouth. Your mouth allows a place for these bacteria to grow and when you eat, the bacteria feeds on the leftover food particles. When this happens, a bad-smelling waste product is left behind. Gum Disease – If you have bad breath that won’t go away or a persistent bad taste in your mouth, you may have gum disease. Food – There are many foods that can cause bad breath, like onions, garlic, and coffee. These foods affect the air you exhale. Smoking & Tobacco Products – Smoking gives you bad breath and can cause other dental and health problems. Tobacco irritates gum tissues and makes the user more likely to develop gum disease. Smoking affects the sense of smell, so smokers may not know how their bad breath smells. Medical Conditions – Bad breath can be caused by medical issues such as sinus problems, diabetes, or liver disease. If our dentist has ruled out dental causes for your bad breath, please see your healthcare provider. Dry Mouth – Does your mouth feel dry and sticky? You may not be producing enough saliva. Saliva works full-time to clean out your mouth. If you don’t have enough saliva, your mouth may not be getting as cleaned as needed, which can cause bad breath. Solutions: - Brush twice a day and floss once a day - Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper - Use mouthwash - If you wear dentures, clean them daily - Keep saliva flowing by eating foods that require lots of chewing, like carrots or apples. You can also chew sugar-free gum. - Stop smoking - Visit Dr. Mark Andrews’s office regularly We welcome you to contact our dental office to learn more about solutions for bad breath in Kirkland, WA, and to schedule your next visit.

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