Bad breath can be frustrating and embarrassing. Our experts explain 8 possible reasons why you have bad breath and how your dentist in Brewster, NY can help.
Dealing with bad breath can be a troublesome experience both for the person going through it and the one speaking to them. About
25% of people today are dealing with bad breath problems.
Getting to know the causes of bad breath will help you face the issue head-on. We're happy to assist you so that you can address it and keep the freshest breath possible.
Here are some reasons why you have bad breath and how a dentist in Brewster, NY can help you out.
1. You Have Oral Infections or Poor Health
When you're exploring what causes bad breath, look no further than your overall dental health. Stay on top of your dental care so that you can get regular checkups.
During your dental checkup, the professional will look for cavities, plaque, tartar, and various infections. If you have a tooth that is starting to decay or rot, you will definitely deal with bad breath at some point.
When people deal with
gum disease, it can also contribute to bad breath. Gingivitis makes your gums sensitive to the touch, and you may also deal with bleeding and other forms of irritation.
2. Tobacco Smoke and Other Uses
Tobacco use is one of the leading bad breath causes for most people. About
14% of people in the United States smoke cigarettes. Tobacco smoke will cause poor oral health and will create decay that lingers.
The smell of the tobacco alone will stay on your breath over time to the point of becoming noxious to the people that you interact with. This bad breath is one of the main reasons to quit smoking, among the many potentially fatal health problems that come with the territory.
3. Chronic Dehydration Causes Bad Breath
If you're figuring out how to get rid of bad breath, make sure that you check your water intake. Roughly
75% of people in the United States are regularly dehydrated.
When you aren't drinking enough water each day, your mouth starts to dry out and won't produce enough saliva. Once this happens, you'll notice that your breath will become foul and stale, particularly if you keep talking and eating without hydrating.
Drinking enough water will help you keep your mouth clean and will prevent the buildup of bacteria. Today's water supply also comes with small amounts of fluoride that also works to keep your teeth clean.
4. Halitosis or Other Similar Conditions
About
50% of people have had halitosis at one point or another. Halitosis refers to chronic conditions of bad breath that people encounter for a variety of causes.
This condition usually occurs when people develop a film of plaque and bacteria over their teeth that leads to foul breath. Halitosis can progress to the point of causing pain and irritation to your gums as well.
Aside from halitosis, you might also deal with sinus issues and postnasal drip, which can lead to bad breath circumstances. People with regular seasonal allergies might end up experiencing bad breath issues.
5. Food Gets Broken Down and Causes Bacteria
When you eat food, it'll keep decaying in your mouth when left unchecked. This is why brushing and flossing is one of the easiest and most widely available bad breath remedies.
If food particles stay in your mouth, in between your teeth, and in your gums, they'll break down and lead to bad breath bacteria. Even a simple rinse after eating a meal can go a long way toward helping you treat this problem.
Grabbing a bottle of mouthwash after a meal will kill bad breath bacteria and help you get rid of any small pieces of food that are wedged and trapped in your mouth.
6. Certain Medications Create Bad Breath Side Effects
You may also experience bad breath as a result of some medications. There are a number of medications that cause poor breath as a side effect, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and a number of antidepressants.
Always look into the overall side effects before deciding to take a medication, and find ways to mitigate these issues. If you know that you're taking a medicine that creates these side effects, do yourself a favor and keep a bottle of water handy as well.
7. Coffee, Alcohol, and Other Drinks
Cutting out or limiting certain vices is also one of the best treatments for bad breath. Certain drinks, such as coffee and alcoholic beverages, also can lead to bad breath problems.
Coffee is a diuretic that also dries you out. This makes your mouth stale and dry and can lead to chronic bad breath.
Drinking alcohol does much of the same. It causes your mouth to get dry and dehydrates you so that it's difficult for your mouth to produce saliva.
Do your best to remove these drinks from your diet, particularly if you haven't adequately hydrated that day.
8. Digestive Problems Can Lead to Bad Breath
There are also some digestive issues that can lead to bad breath. Gastrointestinal issues like blocked bowels, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and various stomach viruses can contribute.
Work to get a clean bill of health with these problems so that you can keep bad breath at bay.
Find a Dentist in Brewster, NY
Understanding these tips will help you out so that you can take action. When you have a dentist in Brewster, NY you will get help with this and other issues.
Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry can help fix your smile and treat you of any bad breath issues that you're having. Check out
the services we offer to
learn more.
