Bad Breath
Bad Breath
Halitosis or bad breath affects at least 25% of the population. This can be in the form of lingering morning breath or chronic halitosis.
Causes And Solutions For Bad Breath
Diet
What you eat affects how your breath smells. Diets that are low in carbohydrates (ketone) causes the body to burn fat as its main energy source. With that, it produces ketones, which, in turn, produce an acetone-like odor in the breath. Additionally, strong flavours like onions and garlic produce high concentration of sulphur compounds. Some smells like garlic can last for up to 2 days. Strong spices, cheeses, fish, coffee, etc. all contribute to bad breath. The solution is to immediately brush your teeth to remove any food particles. Mouthwash and sugar free gum can also help considerably.
Dry Mouth
If you have dry mouth (xerostomia) that means your mouth does not produce enough saliva to wash away the bacteria that are formed. This is sometimes a result of a salivary gland problem caused by certain medications or diseases. A solution is to sip on water throughout the day, chewing sugar free gum or lozenges between meals to stimulate the salivary action.
Medical Conditions
Medications can have an effect on the way your breath smells. Some medications cause your body to react in some internal processes that cause an odor. Tell your Manotick dentist about all medications and medical conditions you have so that he or she can work with you toward a fresher smelling breath.
Tobacco Products
Smokers and those who use oral tobacco are far more likely to experience gum disease and tooth decay.
Poor Dental Hygiene
When plaque builds up on teeth, it irritates the gums and can cause inflammation. The tongue has lots of grooves and crevices to trap food and bacteria. See your dentist regularly. Develop a good at-home regimen to keep your teeth and mouth clean including brushing, flossing and mouthwash.
