Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can leave many people feeling self-conscious, but it can be treated. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to tell if your breath smells, but you can look for certain signs, such as a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, dry mouth or extra post-nasal drip.
The most common cause of bad breath is food that remains in the mouth after meals, which interacts with bacteria to create an odor. Certain foods, such as garlic and fish, are more likely to leave you with temporary bad breath after eating them. Another cause is dry mouth, which can occur if you don’t drink enough fluids or because of certain medications. Tobacco use can also be a contributing factor and lead to a higher chance of gum disease. In fact, halitosis can be a warning sign of gum disease, so it’s important to see your dentist for a check-up and to treat it early.
Your dentist can help detect any problems that may be causing bad breath and can offer treatment options for those with chronic halitosis. Bad breath can be reduced with proper daily flossing and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles. Regular mouthwash isn’t as effective, as it only temporarily masks any smell. Drinking water to help prevent dry mouth and making diet changes to avoid bad-smelling foods can also help. Visit Van Dyke General & Implant Dentistry regularly to keep halitosis in check!