Bad Breath Care

Bad breath isn't only embarrassing. It can also indicate an underlying health issue. Mints and gums are only temporary solutions as they don't address the actual cause of the problem. If your bad breath persists even after brushing, consult with our dentists in South Calgary.

Bad Breath Causes

Bad breath smell can vary depending on the cause. Some may feel worried even with little odor, while some might not recognize they have it. It can be challenging to know whether you have bad breath, so asking a trusted friend or family member will help.

Making simple lifestyle changes can help reduce bad breath. Your dentist may refer you to a specialist should they suspect that it's connected to a more serious condition.

Here are some possible causes of bad breath:

• Tobacco. Smoking leaves behind an unpleasant smell in the mouth. Aside from the odor, nicotine can also cause staining and increase your risk of gum disease.
• Food. What you eat can also affect how you smell. Food, such as garlic, affects your breath. If you are out for an important meeting, watch out for these certain types of food.
• Dry Mouth. Saliva helps get rid of food particles in the mouth. When there is not enough saliva, the mouth becomes dry. This is also one reason why breath smells in the morning. Some medications can also cause dryness in the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
• Poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing can cause food debris to linger in your mouth and cause bad breath. The tongue can also contribute to bad breath when not cleaned regularly. Bacteria causing odor can be trapped in its creases. Even dentures or oral appliances that are not kept clean or fit poorly can also cause an unpleasant odor in the mouth.
• Health conditions. Certain medical conditions can also cause breath odor due to the chemicals they produce. Stomach acids, for example, are linked to bad breath. Contents in the stomach, such as undigested food, flow backward. To address this, it helps to modify your diet and daily habits.
• Pregnancy. Morning sickness and nausea associated during pregnancy can cause unpleasant mouth odor. Hormonal changes, eating a wide variety of food, and dehydration, when you're expecting, may also lead to bad breath.

Avoiding Bad Breath

Here are tips to prevent bad breath:

• Brush and floss daily. Remove food debris from the mouth as it can cause bad breath. Be sure to brush your teeth before going to bed as the mouth is more vulnerable to acid attacks during sleep.
• Don't miss your hygiene appointments. Let your dentist check your oral appliances to see if they fit properly. Your dental hygienist, on the other hand, will remove calculus on your teeth to reduce staining.
• Quit smoking. It may take longer to break this habit but it isn't impossible. Withdrawing from smoking will not only reduce bad breath but will also improve your oral and overall health.
• Use therapeutic mouthwash. Look for mouthwash products that fight bad-breath causing bacteria. Remember, though, that mouthwash isn't a substitute to brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning.
• Drink water more often. Keep your saliva flowing to avoid dry mouth and also help remove food particles in the mouth.

If it's found that the bad breath is caused by a health condition, the health issue must first be treated to address bad breath.

Book Your Consultation With Our South Calgary Dentist

You don't have to worry about bad breath ever day. Beat it today. Schedule your initial consultation with our South Calgary dentist. Contact our team today at .