No one wants to have bad breath, but few people actually know the underlying causes that lead to this embarrassing problem. Foul-smelling breath cannot just be hidden by a mint or chewing gum; you need to delve much deeper to get to the root of the issue.

Most of the time, bad breath starts in your mouth – usually caused by the breakdown of food. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles can get stuck in your mouth, collecting bacteria and creating bad breath. Specific foods like garlic and onions are absorbed into the bloodstream then expelled through the lungs, contributing to your bad breath. To help decide which foods are causing your bad breath, keep a log of what you eat and the medications you take. Bringing your list of bad breath “suspects” to the dentist is one of the steps to help you resolve the problem.

It is important to take note if you start to have bad breath when you never have before as this could be a sign of a more serious medical disorder. According to Colgate, bad breath can signal local infections in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance or a liver or kidney ailment. It can also be a sign of gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth, or dry mouth, which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases.

Other causes of bad breath include smoking tobacco, poorly fitting dental appliances, severe dieting and – the big one – poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the easiest way to keep your mouth healthy and to avoid bad breath. You should also rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash and keep all dental appliances, like dentures, thoroughly cleaned. Plus, of course, you should see a dentist at least twice a year.

If you feel you have great oral hygiene, but are still concerned about bad breath, discuss this with your dentist. The professionals at Brockport Dental are ready to help you feel confident with your smile – and your breath. Call us today at 585-589-0000 or make your next appointment online now.