Bad-smelling breath can impact the best of us after consuming a strong meal. But usually, this odor in your mouth will go away when you complete your oral hygiene routine. If bad breath persists after this regimen or becomes chronic, you could have a larger dental problem on your hands.
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can majorly disrupt your day and make you feel self-conscious. But it may also mean you are suffering a serious oral health concern.
Protect your smile by seeking treatment for this bad breath. You can better fight halitosis when you know what causes it. Read on to find four of the common reasons you have chronic bad breath.
Flavorful Food Items
Lingering food particles in your mouth are a major reason you might develop bad breath. But the bad smell usually goes away when you rinse or scrub those particles away with your oral hygiene regimen. However, certain strong and fragrant foods will give you bad breath that will persist despite oral hygiene efforts.
Garlic and onions, for instance, contain oils that will spread to the bloodstream and reach your lungs. Then the oils will remain on your breath for longer than a day. Pay attention to your diet to ensure you do not overconsume foods that will impact the way your breath smells.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Your oral habits will also affect the way that your breath smells. Halitosis can form if you neglect your oral hygiene routine, for instance. Not only will this leave food particles in your mouth, but it allows plaque to cling to your teeth.
Plaque forms from your mouth natural bacteria, and it can eat away at your dental structure if it remains on your smile. But the bacterial build-up will also start to give off a foul odor. So make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss on a daily basis to avoid bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth refers to a condition in which you produce less saliva than you require, leaving you with a tacky, sticky, dry feeling in the mouth. Not only does this feel uncomfortable, but it puts your oral health at risk. The dry oral environment allows bacteria to spread easily across your teeth.
The excess bacteria will start to smell, and you could have a higher chance of contracting oral infections like gum disease. Stay hydrated so that your body will continue to produce the saliva you need. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth and therefore prevent bad breath.
Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease, a common infection in the gum tissue, will initially present with inflammation in the gums. As it progresses, bacteria will spread to reach the jawbone and the tooth root, causing more damage there that can lead to tooth loss.
The bacterial build-up can also make you have bad breath. You cannot get rid of this halitosis and gum disease on your own. You will need to seek periodontal therapy from your dentist to eradicate the infection. So take preventative measures when it comes to your gum health.