Bad Breath

If we had to point to one thing that made patients the most self-conscious, it would be bad breath. We all worry that we are becoming that person whose breath is unbearable, yet they have no idea. This article will help you understand some of the things that cause bad breath. They are:

• Bacteria stored in your tongue - Your tongue is like a sponge. If you are not brushing it regularly and using a proper mouth rinse, chances are high that your tongue could be giving you bad breath.
• Food stuck in your teeth - As food gets trapped between your teeth it will start to build up bacteria just like the bacteria your tongue is trapping. Regular brushing and flossing should help resolve bad breath caused by trapped food.
• Gum diseases - Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria beneath the gums. You are probably recognizing a common underlying theme in all of these points… Bacteria!
• Dentures not properly maintained - When dentures aren’t cleaned appropriately they accumulate bacteria. Yes, there it is again… Bacteria.

Getting Rid of Bad Breath

If you have chronic bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of, the first step is to get a dental check up. Your dentist can help you determine what is causing the bad breath. Once the cause is determined, you can develop an appropriate plan of action to get rid of it rather than continually trying to mask it to no avail. If you have bacteria in your mouth that is too deep to reach on your own, it will be difficult to completely rid your mouth of bad breath.

In most situations, getting rid of bad breath is a question of getting to the source. If you can rid your mouth of the bacteria causing the scent, you’re breath will start to smell better. If you are trying to get rid of bacteria in your mouth, you might be interested in learning more about our dental practice in Salt Lake City.

Bad Breath not Originating in Your Mouth

• Tonsillitis - Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils usually caused by either a virus or bacteria.
• Sore throat - Sore throats can be caused by bacteria or a virus and can often lead to bad breath.
• Infection of the airways - Infections are often bacterial and we already know how bacteria can contribute to bad breath.
• Certain foods - The food you eat changes your bloodstream. Your lungs have blood vessels running throughout them, so the blood can cause the air in your lungs to become scented.

The easiest way to keep bad breath at bay is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Regularly seeing your dentists and dental hygienist can help you not only make sure that your mouth is healthy, but also make sure your breath is smelling as good as possible.

If you have any questions about our dental procedures and you live in or around Salt Lake City, give us a call at (801) 486-3887 today or contact us!