Bad Breath & Dental Health

Periodontal disease and poor dental hygiene can be a source of bad breath, also known as halitosis. If you don't brush & floss every day, little pieces of food remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors (yikes!). Your teeth will be left with a colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque).

If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums, also known as called gingivitis, and cause tooth decay. Sooner or later, pockets filled with plaque can form between your teeth and gums (this is called periodontitis), worsening this problem and your breath. Dentures that do not fit properly or are not cleaned regularly can also play host to food particles and odor-causing bacteria. If you do not brush and floss every single day, particles of food will remain in the mouth and collect bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue, and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

If your breath is unrelentingly bad and you have a bad taste in your mouth, then this is one the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque - that sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged.
Your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early with regular dental checkups.

Another cause of bad breath is by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that can cause odor. Various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuously breathing through the mouth can cause Dry Mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva, or suggest you use sugarless candy and increase your fluid intake; drinking several glasses of water every day is always good.

Sustaining good oral health and eliminating periodontal disease is essential to reducing bad breath. Consider scheduling regular dental visits for professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris. IMPORTANT: Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdentally cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removal dentures take them at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can prevent tooth decay.

Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.