Bad breath can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem that some people endure no matter how much they take care of their oral health. It not only affects you but the people around you. Although it is possible to fix it with gums and mints, it is only a temporary fix. Identifying the cause can help get rid of it for good. Looking for a dentist?  Creative Smiles is one of the best in the area.

What is Bad Breath?

This condition, also known as Halitosis, is a foul, distinctive, or offensive odor that comes out from your mouth.It is a common occurrence that in fact, most people have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Having a foul odor in the mouth is extremely embarrassing, and can even result in people distancing from you. Severe cases can also affect your social life.

Causes

To get rid of the bad smell, you first need to know why it is happening. There are several causes:

Food and Drinks. There are particular food and drinks that can cause smelly breath, such as coffee, garlic, and onions. The taste can linger in the mouth once it is absorbed into the bloodstream. This doesn’t just cause that unpleasant smell, but the odor lingers until the body processes the food.

Plaque. When you neglect your regular oral hygiene, bacteria can build up in the mouth. These bacteria feed on food particles left in the teeth and gums and produce waste products that release terrible odors.

You are not flossing. If you do not floss, the small particles of food in which toothbrushes cannot reach can get stuck in between the teeth and around the gums. When these food particles are left behind, they start to collect bacteria which turns into that foul odor.

Dry Mouth. When the mouth is dry, there isn’t enough saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles. Over time, this can cause an unpleasant smell.

Infections. If there is an infection in your mouth, bacteria can build on that infection. Your medical professional can prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection and minimize this condition.

These are just some of the many causes of bad breath.

Treating Halitosis

If you are not keeping up with your regular oral hygiene, it will show up in your breath. Try to have a consistent schedule of brushing for two minutes twice a day. Do the tips below as well:

  • Floss one to two times per day.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay.
  • Use mouthwash. Mouthwashes kill decay-causing bacteria.
  • Visit your dental expert twice a year for exams and cleaning.

Quick Treatments

If you are looking for an immediate remedy, here are some tips:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables. Eating an apple, for example, can help to freshen your breath in an instant.
  • Drink more water. Dry mouth equals foul odor. Stay hydrated at all times.
  • Sugar-free gum. These are a quick way to mask off that bad odor. Not only that, the gum helps to get rid of the food particles and increases saliva production.

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