Bad Breath
There are a few different causes of bad breath. Ranging from stomach problems
to diets and teeth problems, most of the causes can be found in the mouth. They are:
- Tongue (when bacteria grows in between the papilla)
- Teeth cavities (especially when food particles get stuck in them)
- Gum diseases
- Extraction sites during healing
- Dentures when not cleaned properly
- Alcohol and tobacco
If you or someone you know is concerned about bad breath, the first step is a
dental check up. Your dentist will be able to confirm or rule out the source of
bad breath.
When the cause is found, treatment will be determined and explained by your
dentist. If the source of the bad breath is your mouth, there is little chance
that mouth washes or mints can treat the problem. They usually mask the problem
for a short period of time, and can sometimes exacerbate the situation
(mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause dry mouth and usually make the bad
breath worse).
These are a few other, non-dental reasons that cause bad breath:
- Sore throat
- Tonsillitis
- Some food
- Infection of air passages
Following a good oral hygiene routine and receiving regular dental check ups
are the best ways to prevent bad breath.
Go back to Patient Education
|
