Are you experiencing a serious case of bad breath? Keep reading to find out reasons behind the malodor and some healthy tips to follow!

Causes of Bad Breath:

Here are some common causes behind bad breath:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene – If you are not brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and keeping up with flossing, particles of food will remain in your mouth which will cause bacteria to form.

• Tobacco and Alcohol – It is true! Tobacco and alcohol will both influence bad breath. The consumption of alcohol and tobacco products reduces the production of saliva which is what keeps your mouth clean.

• Certain Foods – We all know that some foods will leave our breath not smelling the best. Foods such as onions, garlic, pickles, and certain spices are absorbed in your bloodstream and then later released through your mouth when you exhale.

• Digestive Disorders – Do you have problems with your digestive system? As crazy as it sounds, this can result in foul smelling breath! Talk with your primary care doctor if you think you have a GI condition that you think could be affecting your breath.

•  Dental Issues – Certain dental problems can definitely lead to bad breath. Some possible dental issues that can cause this are gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, dry sockets, or oral ulceration. Stay on top of these issues by visiting your dentist at least twice a month!

Now that you have an idea on why you might be experiencing bad breath, let us go over some ways you can prevent or reduce it!

How to Prevent or Reduce Bad Breath:

1. Stay Hydrated – Keep saliva flowing by staying hydrated throughout the day! We suggest drinking of plenty water and avoiding sugary drinks.

• Clean and Replace Your Toothbrush – Not only should you be keeping your toothbrush clean, but you also need to make sure you are replacing it every 3-4 months. This will reduce risk for bacterial infection and avoid damaging tooth enamel and gum tissue.

• Try Tongue Scraping – Do not just use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, try a tongue scraper! These ae amazing for removing bacteria and reducing bad breath. It can also improve your sense of taste!

• Keep Dental Appliances Clean – This includes dentures, braces, retainers, mouthguards, etc. Odor-inducing organisms and bacteria will begin to build up if you are not cleaning your dental appliances at least once a day.

Be sure to follow the 2-2-2-2 rule. If you are following these guidelines, you are already succeeding at maintaining good oral health care!

Bad breath happens, once you figure out the cause, take the correct steps to improve your lifestyle and oral health routine. If the problem persists, please be sure to call your dentist to rule out any serious conditions!

To schedule an appointment with Inspire Dental Group, please give us a call at (716) 362-4800.