If leftover food particles or bad bacteria are the reason for your bad breath, your answer is pretty simple: a mint, a mouthwash gargle or a good brushing should do the trick. Halitosis, however, means that there’s a more severe issue at work, such as:
– Gum Disease: Periodontitis is gum disease in its more advanced stage. This condition can form deep pockets in your gums where odor causing bacteria take pleasure in hiding.
– Mouth, Nose or Throat Infections: These kind of infections often involve post nasal drip, which can result in bad breath. This is because bacteria feeds on mucus, emitting foul smells in the process.
– Dry Mouth: Dry mouth means your salivary glands are underactive. Saliva helps keep your mouth clean, so not enough of it can really impact your oral health. Dry mouth can happen because of medication, certain medical conditions, alcohol or tobacco use, or even excessive caffeine.
– Tobacco: Not only does chewing or smoking tobacco emit its own unique odor; it can also create an ideal atmosphere for bad bacteria where halitosis, gum disease, dry mouth and oral cancer can all thrive
– Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease can create halitosis as a byproduct.
If you have bad breath, it’s always good to go back to basics first. Brushing and flossing consistently and drinking plenty of water may solve your issue. Cut back on caffeine and quit smoking as needed. If you still have bad breath in Louisburg, North Carolina, Dr. James Hardy atHardy Smiles is here to help. Just call 919-496-3088 to set up an appointment.