Your overall oral health , other health issues, and the foods you eat all affect your breath. If you have bad breath, one of these factors might be the culprit. Keep reading to learn more about bad breath so you can figure out how to avoid it:
Where Does it Come From
Bad breath is kind of like body odor, it can come from different sources and can be caused from many different things. Did you know it can stem from your lungs, your stomach, and tonsils? When these problems exist you will need more than gum to keep your health in check!
Bacteria in the Mouth
Everyone has bacteria in the mouth at all times. Some of these bacteria are good and others are not. If you do not properly brush and floss your teeth, the bad bacteria mix with sugar and other food particles, which encourage more growth and might lead to bad breath, or halitosis. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you might also develop bad breath.
Odorous Foods
The body has a complex system of breaking down food and sending nutrients to different locations. This process starts in the mouth. You chew food and swallow it, where it finds its way to your stomach for digestion before your blood absorbs it. The blood then carries it to your lungs, which expel it in your breath. If your diet consists of a lot of strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions, you will probably notice a change in your breath . Since brushing or flossing only masks the odor, the bad breath will not go away until the foods completely pass through your system.
Health Issues
If you have bad breath, it might be a sign that there is another issue in your body. Periodontal disease often causes bad breath. Ill-fitting dental equipment, yeast infections inside the mouth, dry mouth, and even cavities can negatively affect the way the breath smells. Bad breath could also be a sign that you have a different kind of illness like pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, or liver problems.
If you have bad breath, the dentists at University Associates in Dentistry can help. Our dental team is here to identify and treat the root of your problem so you can get rid of your halitosis. To learn more about this and other dental services, visit us online or call (888) 481-6598.
