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Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant condition that often causes embarrassment in social situations, like work and school. Some people with bad breath are not even aware that it is a problem. If you are concerned about bad breath, contact your dentist in Buffalo to help identify the cause and, if it is due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it. What Causes Bad Breath? Most bad breath originates in your mouth and is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor. The causes of bad breath are numerous and include: * Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor. Eating foods containing certain oils is another source of bad breath, as well as onions and garlic.
* Dental problems. Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be a source of bad breath. If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria that can emit chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, which is the same compound that gives rotten eggs their characteristic smell.
* Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that may cause bad odors. A condition called dry mouth can contribute to bad breath because production of saliva is decreased.
* Diseases. In approximately 10 percent of bad breath cases, the bad odors do not come from the mouth.
* Mouth, nose and throat conditions. Another source of bad breath is the nasal passages. Bad breath is associated with sinus infections because nasal discharge that drips from your sinuses into the back of your throat and can cause mouth odor.
* Tobacco products. Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor.
Steps to Fresher Breath Treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. Daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleanings, will normally take care of unpleasant breath. Don't forget about your, often overlooked, tongue as a culprit for bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris can also accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's surface is extremely rough and bacteria can accumulate easily in the cracks and crevices. Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health can help to reduce bad breath. If you have constant bad breath, make a list of the foods that you eat and any medications that you are currently taking. Some medications may contribute to bad breath, in addition to the food that you eat. Additionally, improperly cleaned dentures can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them. If your bad breath persists even after good oral hygiene, there are special products your dentist may prescribe. Contact your dentist in Buffalo today if you are suffering from bad breath. Your dentist will be able to aide you in eliminating and preventing your bad breath.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading cosmetic dentist in Buffalo, Dr. Robert LaCarrubba at Elmwood Village Dental. Specializing in veneers, six month braces and implants, Dr. LaCarrubba, dentist in Buffalo, is committed to providing the best in quality dental health care for patients of all ages.
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