3 Simple Actions That Can Kick Stinky Breath to the Curb

You've probably been around someone whose bad breath made you want to hold your own breath until you were out of their presence. According to Scientific American, bacteria below the gum line or on the tongue are the usual culprits that cause bad breath. So, it may come as no surprise that preventative dentistry is one of the most effective ways to keep your breath fresh.

The sad truth is that 25 percent of people suffer from bad breath. Considering those odds, it may be hard not to have a concerned thought that you might among them. If you're not taking good care of your teeth and gums, you may be spewing foul-smelling breath when you talk. The good news is that you can easily take actions to prevent bad breath or get rid of it.

Your best bet in preventing bad breath is to stay on top of your oral health care. For starters, it's important to go to your dentist at least twice each year for a regular cleaning and routine dental exam. Beyond that, if you have any dental problems, get them checked out in a timely manner. Your dentist can help spot and diagnose dental issues before they cause bad breath.

Gum disease, an abscessed tooth, and dental cavities may be causing bad breath before you even realize you have those issues, but going to the dentist regularly can protect against them or ensure that they are caught and corrected early on.

Digestive problems are among the lesser-known causes of bad breath. Your digestive system breaks down the food you eat into the nutrients your body needs to thrive. If tacos or spicy food leaves you with indigestion, you may have bad breath long after your dinner is through.

When gastroesophageal reflux causes acid to come up the esophagus into the mouth, it can cause stinky breath. Additionally, the acid can damage the teeth and allow bacteria that cause bad breath to be overgrown in your mouth. The good news is that, under the care of a doctor, the acid reflux and bad breath can be treated, and you can kick bad breath to the curb.

Since other health issues may also cause bad breath, it's important to see a doctor if you realize that you have bad breath and cannot identify a single cause. Diabetes and liver disease are among those that can cause bad breath, and while they are probably not the causes, getting a physical exam can help give you peace of mind and further pinpoint possible reasons for bad breath.

Smoking is probably more likely to cause bad breath than anything else. In fact, it is so common that it has its own name: smoker's breath. It's simple but to the point. When you put out a cigarette, that's not the end of its damage. Smoke particles stay in your lungs and your throat after smoking, and that smell can stick around for hours after you smoke.

Chemicals that are found in tobacco may stick around in your mouth and cause a foul-smelling odor. Since smoking tobacco can dry out your mouth, that can further contribute to the problem. A condition called black hairy tongue can also be caused by smoking tobacco, and it’s as gross as it sounds. It can also contribute to bad breath when food gets caught in the long papillae.

Finally, keep in mind that going to the dentist for a regular cleaning at least twice per year is an essential part of safeguarding your oral health. That will subsequently help you avoid the bad breath that may plague people with oral health issues. Sparks Dental provides a vast array of preventative and restorative dental services for the whole family.