Bad breath can occur from time to time; however, some people suffer from this condition more often than others. How do you get bad breath? Understanding how this condition develops can help you follow healthy habits to avoid having bad breath. Overcoming this oral health condition should be part of regular dental care for your family in Burlington, ON.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath usually results from the food you consume. The food you ingest enters your body through your mouth. Foods like garlic and onions have stronger odors than other types of foods. Eventually, such odors can cause bad breath. Even if you brush and floss your teeth and rinse your mouth with mouthwash, the smell may persist. If this occurs, you rely on time to overcome it. Once the food passes through your body, the odor will disappear.
Aside from eating, bad breath can develop due to other factors like chewing and smoking tobacco. If you do not smoke and still have bad breath, you may have a bigger general health issue. Bad breath can be a symptom of cavities and gum disease. See your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to keep your breath fresh.
How to Prevent Bad Breath
To prevent bad breath, brush and floss your teeth regularly. Make sure to scrape your tongue. Usually, the bad-breath-causing bacteria hide between the taste buds. You can remove these bacteria by using a tong scraper. Also, visit your dentist at least twice every year. This allows your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and examine your mouth for abnormalities that may cause bad breath. Also, keep yourself hydrated by consuming lots of water every day. When you are dehydrated, you can experience dry mouth and bad breath.
In addition, dental appliances such as dentures and removable dental bridges can harbor food particles and bacteria when not cleaned regularly. Also, this can happen if these appliances don’t fit properly. Remove these appliances and clean them thoroughly every night. When cleaning retainers or mouthguards, follow the instructions of your dentist carefully.
Finally, you can prevent bad breath by adjusting your diet. This means not consuming foods that have strong odors. Also, consuming plenty of sugary foods is associated with bad breath. The same can happen when you stick to a low-carb diet or go through fasting. As fats are broken down, your body produces ketones, which are known to have a strong odor.
