Bad-smelling breath might develop if you consume a strongly flavored meal. But typically, bad breath goes away when you rinse your mouth and complete your oral hygiene regimen. If bad breath persists, not only can it feel embarrassing, but it might also be a symptom of a larger problem.
You should talk to your dentist to pinpoint the symptom’s cause and find appropriate treatment to resolve the issue. Knowing why chronic bad breath (halitosis) might occur can help you get rid of this unpleasant symptom and also address potential dental concerns. Check out four potential reasons that you might develop chronic bad breath when you read on.
Fragrant Foods in Your Diet
Bad breath might develop on an acute basis when you consume certain flavorful dishes. But when you get rid of lingering food particles by rinsing or brushing your teeth, the bad breath should go away too.
However, some foods, like garlic or onion, contain fragrant oils that will absorb into your bloodstream and reach your lungs. This could affect the smell of your breath for an entire day. Pay attention to your diet to ensure that these foods do not impact your breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you skip brushing your teeth or flossing, then you might allow food particles to remain in your mouth. They will begin to decay, which can make your breath smell bad. You will need to adhere to a consistent oral hygiene regimen to make sure this does not happen.
Oral hygiene also gets rid of plaque, a film created by the natural bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria can easily spread when you have plaque on your teeth, and excess bacteria will emit a foul odor that can affect your breath. Ensure you prevent plaque formation by brushing your teeth twice a day at least and flossing daily.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, a condition in which a decline in saliva production leaves the mouth dry and tacky, will feel unpleasant. But a dry oral environment will also make it easier for bacteria to travel across the teeth. With more bacteria in the mouth, you can have a greater risk of forming bad breath too.
You can treat acute cases of dry mouth by drinking plenty of water. But if dry mouth occurs on a chronic basis, consult with your dentist to determine the cause of the problem and find targeted treatment.
Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease refers to an infection within the gum tissue. You may notice swelling, soreness, and bleeding in the gums during the early stage of this disease. But if gum disease advances, you can notice more significant issues, including gum recession and tooth loss.
Periodontitis might also result in bad-smelling breath due to bacterial build-up within the gum pockets. So do not ignore bad breath. You will need prompt dental treatment to get rid of gum disease, which will not go away on its own. Learn more about bad breath and your oral health by calling your dentist today.