Why Do I Have Bad Breath? Your Dentist Provides the Top 4 Reasons!

When you’re involved in a conversation with a person, the last thing you want to happen is to offend him or her with the smell of your breath. If this has become something you frequently have to worry about, your dentist says it could be a sign of a greater issue. As you continue reading, your dentist reveals the top 4 reasons for this problem so you can prevent serious oral health issues from arising or an existing condition from getting worse.

Reason #1 – Gum Disease

Gum disease is a condition that develops when bacteria are allowed to grow, and oral care is neglected. It starts as gingivitis – the inflammation of the gums, and if not addressed, it will progress to more advanced forms that can lead to tooth loss and can even contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

One of the initial warning signs of gum disease is bad breath, which should not be ignored.

Reason #2 – Oral Infection

If you have a viral illness, it can contribute to you developing an oral infection, which results from an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. One of the signs of a problem is the foul smell that is produced.

The first step to take is to visit your general practitioner to be examined and diagnosed so you can treat the illness. Then, your dentist can address any effects the illness has on your oral health.

Reason #3 – Diabetes

People who have diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease and experiencing bad breath. If you have lingering oral odors, you should schedule a visit to your doctor to have tests run to make sure you don’t have diabetes.

Then, by visiting your dentist for preventive care, you can also find out whether you have gum disease and receive the treatment you need.

Reason #4 – Dry Mouth

Another contributor to bad breath can be a condition called dry mouth. This can be brought on by taking certain medications. The lack of proper moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria growth, which then leads to bad breath.

With the combined help of your physician and dentist, the right solutions can be found.

What Can Your Dentist Do for You?

Given that bad breath is often related to bacteria growth, your dentist provides the following treatment options:

• Soft Tissue – For moderate cases of gum disease, your dentist provides soft tissue laser treatment. It comfortably removes the decayed tissue and promotes healing.
• Deep Cleaning – Also called a scaling and root planing procedure, a deep cleaning involves your dentist probing beneath the gumline to clear away bacteria and to smooth the rough surfaces of your teeth roots so they are less likely to attract bacteria in the future.

Along with the help you receive from your dentist, there are habits you can incorporate into your home life that will aid in restoring your oral health.

What Can You Do at Home?

Equally as important as the treatment you’ll receive from your dentist is your home care regimen. Brushing and flossing are key to clearing away harmful bacteria and leftover food particles that can lead to future problems.

By working with your dentist, you can recover from any underlying oral health issues so you can have fresh breath and feel confident about interacting with people. To learn more and get on the road to recovery, contact your local dentist today.

About the Author

Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Crowley has remained passionate about providing his patients with the absolute best in dental care. A caring and competent professional, he helps patients overcome embarrassing bad breath at Bluff Creek Dental. Dr. Crowley can be reached for more information through his website.