Bad breath (halitosis) exists as a condition familiar among many adults. The presence of unpleasant breath affects social and intimate interactions. People generally mask the issue with gum, mints, or mouthwashes, but their efforts produce temporary results. Certain foods and health conditions paired with poor oral hygiene typically cause some kind of foul odor to emit from the mouth, eventually. Ignoring the issue, or continuing to mask it with over-the-counter products allows for an interim smell to remain. Dr. Stewart encourages you to visit him and our team for a dental examination to determine the status of your oral health.
Causes
Most reoccurring bad breath issues begin in the mouth and persist due to subpar oral hygiene habits. Some of the following causes can facilitate bad breath:
Food: The consumption of specific foods, such as: garlic, onions, spices, and vegetables can cause a lingering odor. Food particles may become lodged in and around your teeth, which result in an unpleasant smell. Also, pungent foods, once digested, enter your bloodstream and can travel to your lungs, aiding in the stench of your breath.
Poor Dental Hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily endures as the most effective at-home treatment for bad breath and oral hygiene. Without engaging oral maintenance with your toothbrush and floss, your mouth becomes a miniature ecosystem for bacteria. Plaque forms on your teeth as a sticky film, and if left untreated advances into tartar, requiring a dental deep cleaning to remove.
Tobacco Products: Using products that contain tobacco causes a distinct odor to emit from your mouth when breathing or speaking. Discontinuing the use of all tobacco products, along with oral hygiene upkeep can result in breath odor improvement.
Dry Mouth: Saliva exists to assist in cleaning your mouth, but it isn’t enough to keep up with the 600 or more types of bacteria inhabiting your oral cavity. The dry mouth condition reduces the presence of saliva in your mouth, usually during sleep, allowing the bacteria to spread without much deterrence. This remains the most common reason for morning breath.
Medications may contribute to the effects of dry mouth. Bad breath can exist due to the presence of other systemic diseases, such as: cancers, metabolic disorders, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. To determine if your bad breath exists as an oral health issue, contact Dr. Stewart and our team today.
Treatment
Reducing bad breath begins with continued and consistent oral hygiene habits. Beginning to brush at least twice a day and floss to dislodge food particles from your teeth will assist in resolving many mouth odors. Becoming more aware of the food you eat on a daily basis can affect your breath odor in a positive manner.
If bad breath persists, Dr. Stewart offers a treatment called BreathRX®. It’s a specially formulated breath treatment system that deals with foul odors at their source. If you continue to have bad breath, but aren’t sure where to turn next, contact Dr. Stewart and our team.
About Dr. Stewart
Excellent dental care begins with developing a relationship with the patient, and James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment for a bad breath consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.