Family Dentist in Chesterton Explains How Bad Breath Develops
We’ve all experienced bad breath at one point or another. Whether it’s after we had a slice of mushroom and pepperoni pizza, a tuna fish sandwich, or a big bowl of sugary cereal, bad breath happens quickly after. However, the foods we eat aren’t the only way bad breath rears its ugly head. Dental disease and other underlying conditions could also be the culprit, according to a family dentist in Chesterton.
To learn what could be causing your bad breath, how to change your habits to reduce it, and when to see a dentist, keep reading!
What Causes Bad Breath?
As mentioned, the foods you eat can make a big difference in how often your breath smells. However, it’s not just the typical foods that you would often associate with bad breath such as garlic, fish, or cheese. In fact, one of the biggest culprits of bad breath is simply having a dry mouth.
If your mouth is dry, it allows oral bacteria to grow, develop, and travel to other parts of the mouth far more easily. That’s why drinking water throughout the day, or at least rinse your mouth out regularly, matters a great deal. Alternatively, certain dental diseases have been known to have bad breath as a symptom, including untreated gum disease and oral infections.
A great way to test if you have bad breath is to lick the back of a spoon and let it dry. After it’s dried, smell it. If the spoon smells poor, it means you have bad breath (plus you didn’t have to ask a friend or family member to be a test subject.)
Habits to Change At Home
To start, ask yourself how often you brush and floss at home. In many cases, bad breath can be cured by making simple adjustments to your routine. Your oral care should involve brushing for at least two minutes at a time using fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily. You may also want to use a mouthwash specifically for killing bad-breath bacteria.
When brushing, always make sure to brush your tongue. Bacteria love living on this part of your mouth because it’s a moist and perfect breeding ground. Use your toothbrush or another dedicated tool to remove bacteria starting from the back of your tongue and pulling towards the tip. Do this after you’ve already brushed your gums and teeth.
When to See a Dentist
If no changes in your personal habits help, schedule an appointment with the dentist. They’ll be able to confirm if your mouth is healthy and recommend that you see a general doctor instead. If you’ve developed gum disease, they’ll provide restorative treatments and may prescribe an anti-bacterial mouthwash if your bad breath is significant.
Bad breath doesn’t have to be a fact of life. Schedule an appointment today to get the help you need!
About Smiles of Chesterton
The dentists at the practice are always looking for a cause for your oral ailment. This allows them to create a treatment plan that addresses the issue at the source, not simply offer a band-aid solution. To learn more about their practice or solutions to chronic bad breath, you can contact them through their website.