Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, is a source of constant embarrassment and anxiety to everyone suffering from it. Learn more about halitosis, its causes and how to get rid of it below:
- Bad breath is more common than you think; 1 in 4 people worldwide suffer from bad breath. After tooth decay and gum disease, bad breath is the third most common reason for dental visits.
- It is primarily caused by bad oral hygiene and most times, all that is needed to treat bad breath is to brush twice daily, floss once daily, clean out the tongue, and drink lots of water.
- Some health conditions have been known to cause halitosis, e.g., respiratory tract infections like aspiration pneumonia, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis. Others include chronic acid reflux, ketoacidosis, and liver/kidney problems.
- The following lifestyle choices worsen bad breath: smoking or chewing tobacco products; drinking too much alcohol; regular diets of sugary, low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein foods; excessive consumption of vitamin supplements, and stress or anxiety.
- The caffeine in coffee reduces the production of saliva in the mouth. Without saliva, bacteria build up in the mouth and food particles linger, causing bad breath. Some medications have been known to affect saliva production in a similar manner to coffee.
Should the foul smell persist after doing everything in (2), and changing the lifestyle choices highlighted in (4) and (5), visit a dentist immediately.
If you live or work in Cypress, Texas; Texas Premier Dental is the best facility in the area. Call 281-206-0100 to make an appointment today.