Bad breath is also called halitosis. It’s caused by the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria, if not removed by brushing or flossing, can produce a bad smell. If you have bad breath, you might be embarrassed around other people. Fortunately, the dentists at Lovett Dental Katy can identify the causes of bad breath and begin treatment to correct them.
Causes of Bad Breath
Accumulation of bacteria often comes from insufficient oral hygiene. When you don’t have a consistent oral care routine, plaque builds up along the gum line. It can also accumulate at the back of your tongue. Other causes of bad breath involve food and beverage choices, stress, bacteria buildup during sleep, and insufficient hydration.
Causes of halitosis include:
- Tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes or cigars causes bad breath. No matter what else you do, tobacco use leads to bad breath. After you quit smoking, your breath is likely to improve immediately.
- Food choices. Some foods, such as garlic, contribute to halitosis. Once these foods are absorbed in your bloodstream, the smell will come out in your breath. However, after your body processes the food, these odors dissipate.
- Dry mouth. When someone has a very dry mouth, there’s not enough saliva to rinse away food debris. This attracts bacteria and leads to an unpleasant odor.
- Serious condition. Sometimes, bad breath indicates a chronic medical condition. See your dentist if your halitosis continues after you’ve taken corrective action. Your dentist or hygienist can help you learn the right oral care to improve your breath.
Clients should come to Lovett Dental Katy at least once a year for teeth cleaning services. Our family dentistry practice handles pediatric, teen, and adult clients.
Teeth Cleaning Services
It’s a good idea to maintain your oral health with regular teeth cleaning services. Bacteria builds up in your mouth day and night. Brushing and flossing help keep bacteria under control. However, plaque forms a sticky residue on your teeth that can harden over time. Therefore, regular teeth cleaning reduces the risk of gum disease and other dental issues.
Remedies for Bad Breath
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day for improved oral hygiene. This simple routine can reduce the causes of bad breath and keep your teeth and gums in good health. Ultimately, once you understand the major factors affecting your bad breath, you can make the needed changes for fresh breath.
Follow the measures below to improve your dental health:
- Use mouthwash to fight odor-causing compounds and keep your breath fresh.
- Cut back on caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. You should also limit your intake of sugary and acidic drinks such as juices. When you drink water, your body remains hydrated. Remember, the ideal amount of water varies by activity levels, age. and body type.
- Chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production. Eating a mint can temporarily refresh your breath.
- Floss daily to release trapped food particles and plaque buildup.
- Brush your teeth at least two minutes twice a day. When you brush your tongue, make sure you reach the back, where bacteria congregate.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath doesn’t necessarily indicate an infection in your body. If you experience bad breath following your dental visit, consider asking your doctor for a diagnosis. Other causes of bad breath include:
- Respiratory infection
- Chronic sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Diabetes
- Liver and kidney issues
Dental Care in Katy, TX
At Lovett Dental Katy, we have six dental specializations for our clients to choose from, including:
- Pediatric
- Periodontist
- Orthodontist
- Endodontist
- Maxillofacial surgeon
Call Lovett Dental Katy at 832-437-6477 to schedule an appointment or find out more about our dental services. Together, we can eliminate the causes of bad breath and help you defeat halitosis.
