What Is Bad Breath?
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Why Does What I Eat Affect My Breath?
Basically, all the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing — even mouthwash — merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.
What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone. Patients with gum disease are at an increased risk of tooth loss.
Dr. Cavallo can help restore missing teeth with dental implants. Implants are one of the most natural looking, long-lasting tooth replacement options available.
What Can I Do To Help Prevent Bad Breath?
- Brush & Floss Twice Daily
- Brush your teeth two to three minutes at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris. It’s very important to brush your teeth before going to bed.
- Floss Daily
- Flossing will remove food debris from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. If the food debris is not removed, the bacteria will begin to feed on it, causing bad breath.
- Use A Mouth Rinse
- Using a fluoride mouthwash will help remove the leftover debris that you miss with brushing and flossing.
- Do Not Smoke Or Use Tobacco Products
- If you ever needed another reason to quit, here’s an easy one: smoking contributes to bad breath. Tobacco tends to dry out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth.
- Visit Dr. Jospeh Cavallo
- The best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene is to visit your dentist regularly. If you have chronic bad breath, you should visit your dentist first, to rule out any dental problems.
Schedule A Consultation
Click here to contact our Woodbridge, VA dentist office to request a personal consultation with Dr. Joseph Cavallo and learn more about how bad breath is linked to your oral and physical health.
