What do you do when you notice bad breath?
For many of us, we break out mints or gum as a solution. In fact, it’s estimated that Americans spend over $10 billion on oral hygiene products like mints, gums, and mouthwashes to combat bad breath. Unfortunately, these products simply put a band-aid on a much larger problem.
Bad breath isn’t just an annoying and embarrassing problem to deal with — in many instances it’s a clear sign that your oral health is lacking.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are several factors that can contribute to chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some of the most common causes of bad breath include:
Certain Foods: There are certain foods like garlic or onions that are notorious for causing bad breath. While this isn’t a cause of halitosis, it can still leave an unpleasant odor for quite some time. The unpleasant odor is long-lasting for some foods because it’s absorbed by the stomach and excreted through the lungs.
Dry Mouth: Dry mouth can also be a common cause of bad breath because the lack of saliva encourages bacteria to thrive and hide away in pockets around the gums. Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash by clearing out excess bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Without saliva, food particles will continue to deteriorate and give off a foul odor.
Poor Oral Hygiene: If you notice chronic bad breath, it may be time to step up your oral hygiene routine! If you’re not brushing or flossing enough, bacteria will flourish and cause chronic bad breath.
Conquer Your Chronic Bad Breath
It’s important to determine the root cause of your bad breath before deciding on a solution. Some of the best ways to conquer your bad breath include:
- Avoid certain foods
- Brush and floss more
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid tobacco products
- Visit your dentist
Contact Herman Family Dentistry
If you notice you’re dealing with chronic bad breath, you may need to address problems with your dental health. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Eric Herman.