Bad Breath: Where does it come from?

Bad breath can be quite the hassle! It is a very unpleasant condition that can result in embarrassment. There are numerous sources that can cause bad breath. Your dentist can be a good help in identifying the cause and recommending a solution.
What can be the causes?

1. Food: The air that your breathe out can be affected by what you eat, some examples may be garlic or onions. Remaining particles of food in your mouth collet bacteria and is a result of not flossing or brusing after consuming food. People who diet may also experience bad breath from infrequent eating.

2. Gum Disease: If you have continual bad breath it could be a warning sign of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque.

3. Dry Mouth: When the flow of your saliva decreases most will experience dry mouth. Sometimes this is caused by various medications, gland problems, or breathing through your mouth continously.When you do not have enogh saliva, you lack the cleanse of your mouth and food particles are not cleaned away. Dr. Hubbs has many solutions to increase fluid intake for her patients who experience dry mouth.

4. Smoking and Tobacco: Tobacco not only stains your teeth but can cause bad breath as well. it minimizes your sense of taste and can irritate the gums and tissues inside your mouth. Ask Dr. Hubbs for dental tips to kicking the habit.

5. Medical Conditions: Some diseases are related to bad breath. Some that may be associated with bad breath are sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and some liver or kidney disease.

To prevent bad breath, regular checkups are helpful in determining any problems such as gum disease or bad breath. When you think about it, bad breath may be a sign of a serious medical disorder or illness. Keeping good oral health, scheduling professional hygiene appointments are essential in reducing bad breath.
Helpful tips for at home can be
1. Brush your teeth twice daily
2. Floss daily
3. Brush your tongue
4. If you wear dentures, remove them every night and clean them thoroughly before placing them back into your mouth.

Know that using mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. They are solely for cosmetic purposes and do not have long-lasting effects on your mouth and/or bad breath.