Discover some of the most common causes of bad breath and what you can do to prevent it.
What Can Cause Bad Breath?
You may not even be aware that some of the most common habits can lead to chronic bad breath. These may include:
Coffee
Your morning coffee may be causing your morning breath because it reduces saliva production, leaving the mouth feeling dry. The lack of salvia then leads to an over-production of odor-causing bacteria.
Smoking
Smoking has many poor side effects on the body, and bad breath is one of them. It causes the mouth the become dry in addition to the scent of smoke. It can also lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Diet
Certain foods tend to cause bad breath because the bacteria in the mouth feed off them. Some of these include high-protein, spicy, or sugary foods.
Poor Dental Health
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis, cavities, dry sockets, and periodontal disease, which can all cause the breath to smell bad due to bacterial growth.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications and can also be caused by certain illnesses, which increase bacteria growth in the mouth.
How Can You Prevent Bad Breath?
You may wonder if this means you have to give up your favorite foods or morning coffee, and the answer is no. However, some other suggestions can help:
- Drink water alongside your coffee to stay hydrated and increase saliva production.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months and utilize ADA-accepted oral hygiene products.
- Try tongue scraping to remove bacteria, which could be contributing to your bad breath.
- Quit smoking.
- Chewing sugar-free gum can increase saliva production and help keep your mouth feeling and smelling fresh.
Schedule Your Next Routine Dental Exam
A key part of fresh-smelling breath is a clean and healthy mouth. Be sure to schedule routine dental exams every six months to check for any oral issues and keep your mouth healthy. Contact Nevada Dental Esthetics today at (702) 737-3553 for your smile maintenance.