Bad breath is a common condition and this can have social and psychological effects on the individual. Everyone will experience this at some point in their life but if bad breath is a persistent issue, there may be some lifestyle factors or underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
A common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene.
If you don’t brush or floss properly there will be food particles still remaining in your mouth and this will lead to the growth of bacteria and then the formation of plaque. Bacteria will provide sulphur compounds and they are responsible for the odour. When you brush twice a day and floss daily, the build-up of food particles and bacteria are reduced and it will improve breath odour. You can visit your local dentist Cleveland if you experience persistent bad breath. Your food choice may also contribute to bad breath. Some strong smelling food such as onions and garlic contains sulphur compounds and these will be absorbed into the bloodstream. These will be expelled through your lungs and it will lead to bad breath. Even some high protein foods like dairy or meat products can lead to bad breath as they break down into amino acids that release sulphur compounds. You can reduce the intake of these foods when possible and reach for a balanced diet that has vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Saliva has an important role to play in oral health
As it washed away bacteria and food particles. When you have a condition called dry mouth, this happens as a result of inadequate production of saliva. This can be due to certain medications, dehydration or some medical conditions. When you don’t have enough saliva, bacteria will grow and spread which can lead to bad breath. In order to alleviate dry mouth, you need to drink sufficient water, chew sugar free gum and use saliva substitutes. Certain habits can also lead to bad breath. For example, smoking and the use of other tobacco products will contribute to this. Tobacco will reduce saliva production which will exacerbate dry mouth. It also tends to leave a lingering odour. The use of tobacco can also lead to gum disease which is another contributor to bad breath.
There are certain dental issues like infections,
Cavities and gum disease that can lead to bad breath. The build-up of plaque and tartar along with food particles trapped on decayed teeth can lead to accumulation of bacteria. This bacteria will lead to unpleasant odours. You need to have regular dental check-upsalong with professional cleanings so that these issues can be identified and treated. You need to practice good oral hygiene such as flossing, brushing and using antibacterial mouthwash. These habits will help prevent dental issues and contribute to fresh breath. Certain respiratory conditions, sinusinfections etc. can lead to bad breath. You need to treat the underlying infection and maintain good nasal hygiene so that bad breath associated with the respiratory issues can be reduced.