Visit any convenience store, and the shelves are full of mints, gums, mouthwashes, and other similar products. It’s no wonder – many people find it embarrassing if the odor from their mouth is anything less than minty fresh. But what is the main cause of bad breath? Let’s leave these short-term solutions behind and tackle the real culprits behind this not-so-pleasant occurrence.
What Is Halitosis?
Did you know that there’s a medical term for bad-smelling breath? That’s right – this fairly common condition is known as halitosis. The symptoms might be straightforward, but there are many causes, and sometimes it’s hard to figure out if it’s serious or not.
When Should You Consult a Professional?
Most people stress too much about their breath when, in reality, it’s completely fine. On the other hand, some have unpleasant mouth odor, and they’re not even aware of it. It’s hard to tell sometimes, so it’s best to ask someone close to you to confirm.
If you’re dealing with it, take a closer look at your oral hygiene habits. Are you brushing and flossing regularly? Drinking plenty of water? Doing your best to keep your teeth healthy and strong? Change any bad habits you might have, and if the odor prevails, it’s time to visit your Charlotte dentist in South Park.
Here’s Everything That Can Potentially Be the Cause of Bad Breath
Plenty of possible culprits can hide behind unpleasant mouth odor, so it can get pretty tricky to pin down the real one. After a thorough dental exam, your dentist will be able to diagnose halitosis and find its root cause, setting the stage for a suitable treatment.
Obviously, Certain Foods Can Affect Your Breath
As you’re eating, food particles are breaking down around your teeth and can cause more bacteria to develop, resulting in bad-smelling breath. Your tongue can also trap these particles, interacting with amino acids in certain foods and causing unwanted odors.
Also, as we all know, certain foods, such as onions and garlic, can affect your breath. This is because they enter your bloodstream as you digest them, and get carried to your lungs, resulting in unpleasant odor. This is nothing serious, lasting as long as the food is in your system.
Unpleasant Odor Is Only the First of Many Oral Issues Caused by Tobacco Products
Here’s another obvious culprit – tobacco. It goes without saying, but products containing tobacco can quickly cause bad breath and stained teeth. Over the long run, tobacco usage can cause various oral issues, including:
- Periodontal (gum) disease,
- Irritated gums,
- Oral cancer.
Poor Oral Health Care Is the Main Culprit Behind Bad-Smelling Odors
When food particles stick around, they create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, if you don’t regularly brush, floss, and go to your dentist for routine dental cleaning and exams (meaning at least twice a year), plaque will build up between your teeth and gums. If left untreated, this can cause much more trouble than just a bad-smelling odor.
The good news is that in most cases, your Charlotte, NC, dentist will easily treat it. They might recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse, as well as instruct you to add brushing your tongue to your daily routine.
Dentures Are Quick to Collect Bacteria as Well
If you have any type of dentures, the same story goes – if not cleaned correctly, they can provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This can happen with removable or fixed oral appliances as well, including braces.
What Is the Cause of Bad Breath Even After Brushing Your Teeth?
Now that we’ve covered some not-so-serious causes of bad-smelling breath, let’s take a look at some culprits that can be behind the whole ordeal, even if your oral hygiene is up to par. In case of any of these scenarios, your dentist in Charlotte, NC, will provide you with the right treatment.
Dry Mouth Keeps the Food Particles Around Your Teeth and Gums
Saliva is there to help clean your mouth, removing any food particles that would cause unpleasant odors. When there’s a constant problem with saliva production, a condition called xerostomia, or simply dry mouth, occurs.
It can be caused by a salivary gland disorder, certain medicines, or if you have a habit of mainly breathing through your mouth. While xerostomia naturally occurs as you’re sleeping, leading to the infamous morning breath, it can get more complicated if you’re dealing with sleep apnea or snoring. Luckily, advanced laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers various quick and easy solutions.
Periodontal Disease Is Another Common Cause of Unpleasant Breath
Beside an unpleasant taste in the mouth, periodontal (gum) disease can cause bad-smelling breath. This condition requires a visit to your dentist as soon as possible or, in certain cases, a periodontist. But there’s an effective solution here as well – Perio ProtectⓇ, a non-invasive treatment for gum disease that can provide immediate and long-lasting results.
Various Other Health Conditions Might Be the Cause
Besides xerostomia and periodontal disease, here are other health conditions that might be behind the whole ordeal:
- Postnasal drip,
- Tonsil stones,
- Chronic sinusitis,
- Chronic bronchitis,
- A respiratory infection,
- A gastrointestinal disorder,
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Let’s Find a Long-Lasting Solution for You – Visit Aspire Dental Wellness
Dealing with not-so-pleasant odors coming from your mouth? There’s no need to be embarrassed – the only thing you need to do is find the culprit behind it. Our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, can work wonders in both diagnosing and treating your condition. Contact us today, and let’s get you back to that fresh, minty breath once again. You deserve it!
