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Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath is just not cool…

fresno bad breathHave you tried scrupulous brushing and flossing to eliminate your bad breath, only to have it return within minutes? Do mints and gum only cover up the foul odors for a short time? Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by the foods you eat, poor habits, and an array of health conditions, and the first step in eliminating this embarrassing problem is finding its root cause.

How do foods and drinks cause bad breath?

Foods and beverages with strong odors—such as onions, garlic, and coffee—are a common cause of halitosis. Even if you brush and floss, the odors will emanate from your digestive system and lungs until the food completely leaves your system. Even foods that do not smell can cause bad breath when food particles collect between the teeth and on the tongue, causing malodorous bacteria to grow.

How do bad habits cause bad breath?

Poor dental habits are a major cause of bad breath, and it is essential that you remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth with regular flossing, brushing, and tongue scraping. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products can also lead to bad breath, as they cause xerostomia (dry mouth) and irritate the gums.

What health problems cause bad breath?

Tooth decay and gum disease are associated with a proliferation of bacteria in the mouth and can cause foul breath. Dry mouth, a condition characterized by decreased saliva production, can also cause halitosis and is associated with some chronic illnesses such as diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome. Additionally, many medications used to treat serious illnesses can cause dry mouth. Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away bacteria and dead cells, but when you do not have sufficient saliva, these substances will decompose and emit foul odors. Other health conditions that cause bad breath include sinus infections, kidney disease, liver disease, bronchitis, and acid reflux disease.

To determine the root cause of your bad breath and get it under control, call Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes today at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. Fresno Dental Studio treats patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

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