What’s That Smell? What Your Bad Breath is Trying to Tell You
Do you find yourself constantly reaching for a mint or gum to mask your breath? It is common to experience bad breath after enjoying certain foods such as coffee or an Italian feast full of garlic, but after you thoroughly brush your teeth, your breath should be fresh again. Bad breath can be a problem when you find yourself constantly dealing with the issue. It can be embarrassing and cause anxiety. Persistent bad breath is a sign that you are experiencing an issue with your oral health.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are a number of issues that can cause bad breath such as:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Persistent bad breath can be a simple fix for some patients. Food that remains between the teeth eventually turns into bacteria that leaves an unpleasant odor. This bacteria can be found between the teeth, along the gumline and also on the tongue. When brushing, be sure to clean not only your teeth, but gently brush the gums and tongue as well. Using dental floss daily can also remedy this issue.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
If we have detected tooth decay during a prior appointment and you have postponed treatment, this can be causing your breath issues. Bad breath is also one of the warning signs of gum disease.
Tobacco
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products always cause bad breath. These products also increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, another contributing factor to bad breath.
Illness
Bad breath can be caused by an illness or infection in the body. Illnesses such as strep throat, post nasal drip, and sinus infections can cause bad breath and are a sign you need to be placed on antibiotics.
If you are located in the Spotswood, NJ area and are experiencing bad breath, we suggest that you make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out any concerns mentioned above. We look forward to helping you fix your oral health.