Bad breath is unpleasant and can cause you embarrassment, socially. It is known as halitosis and is usually a symptom of a bigger dental problem. Poor oral hygiene causes the build-up of plaque and bacteria, which irritate the gums and cause bad breath. Here are some reasons for the bad breath explained by our amazing dentist in Glenroy.
1. Oral Hygiene
Most people experience bad breath because they do not take care of their teeth properly. Brushing and flossing make sure that any food particles that are caught between teeth are removed. These trapped food particles lead to bad odor. Not brushing one’s teeth regularly or improper brushing leads to plaque build-up, which causes irritation and then inflammation in the gums. This leads to bad breath and causes periodontitis.
2. Food
Certain types of food, like garlic and onion, cause bad breath. After digestion, the broken-down products travel to the lungs through blood, affecting our breath.
3. Medicines
Several common drugs may cause bad breath. From medications used for treating anxiety to those that are used as tranquilizers, there are several medications that may cause bad breath. Some of these include – nitrates, phenothiazines, diazepam, albuterol, fluoxetine, and many others. People taking vitamin supplements excessively may also have bad breath.
4. Braces or Dentures
People not observing proper oral care while wearing braces or dentures may have to deal with bad breath. It is usually because food particles tend to get stuck, which rot and cause odor. Loosely fitted dentures usually cause infection in the mouth, which causes bad breath.
5. Dry Mouth or Xerostomia
This is a condition where the body does not produce enough saliva. It is saliva that helps in keeping our mouth moist and clean. Without enough saliva, the mouth is always dry, and it causes bad breath.
6. Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Chewing tobacco leaves harmful chemicals in your mouth, which causes bad breath. Smoking also causes oral cancers and gum diseases, which are reasons for bad breath. Drinking alcohol is also one of the reasons why people may have bad breath because excessive consumption of alcohol hinders with saliva production. A dry mouth is a perfect place for the odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
7. Health Problems
People suffering from various health issues can cause bad breath. Some such health problems are the common cold, sinus infection, digestion problems, tonsil stones, acid reflux, lactose intolerance, bronchitis, sore throat, thrush, liver and kidney diseases, etc.
8. Crash Diets
People consuming low carb diets or observing fast always suffer from bad breath. The body tends to breakdown the fats when they diet and produce ketones, which have a very strong smell.
Our caring dentists at The Glenroy Dental Group will help you in treating bad breath and all types of other oral problems that you may encounter with utmost care. You may get in touch with us over the phone or walk-in to our clinic on the below mentioned contact/address details.
The Glenroy Dental Group
Address: 2/830 Pascoe Vale Rd, Glenroy, VIC 3046
Ph: (03) 9306 6511