While you may think you are doing a great job smelling your own breath you aren’t. According to All About Smiles Family Dentistry, it is impossible to get a whiff of your own breath regardless of how hard you try.
With that being said if people have told you about your bad breath, or worse yet they turn their head when you speak, there is a very good chance you are suffering from bad breath clinically known as halitosis.
What Causes Bad Breath?
According to Dr. Francis Golly there are a variety of reasons people suffer from bad breath with poor oral hygiene at the top of the list.
Not brushing and flossing leaves food particles behind. Those food particles convert to acid and bacteria. This is known as plaque. Once plaque starts to grow and isn’t brushed or flossed away tartar will begin to form.
Your dentist in McMinnville explains that tartar is only removable by a dental hygienist or dentist. Sadly, if it gets to the point of tartar you most probably have gingivitis. Worse yet, it could be the more serious periodontal disease.
Getting back to the bad breath you can only imagine what plaque and tartar smells like as it started out as food particles.
Brushing at least twice a day, more if you feel like you should, and flossing once a day, keeps plaque away. It really is that simple. However, plaque and tartar aren’t the only reason people have bad breath.
Why People Could Be Turning Away
Medications-Certain medications cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is notorious for halitosis. Talk to your doctor about changing your over the counter or prescription medications. If you wake up thirsty it could be the reason you have halitosis.
Alcohol-While most people like to indulge in a glass of wine or a frosty cold beer, alcoholic drinks will get you in trouble when it comes to your breath. Trade off with a glass of water and be sure to brush after you have enjoyed your cocktail.
Tobacco-If you have ever been around a smoker, or are one yourself, you know the odor stays around long after the cigarette, cigar or pipe is gone. Try and kick tobacco to the curb and your friends and family will thank you for it.
Additional Risks-People with post nasal drip and those with stomach problems may also have problems with chronic bad breath. If you get heartburn often find out if it’s the cause of your bad breath.
For more information regarding chronic bad breath and dental care, schedule an appointment with All About Smiles today.
