Dental News

There Are Many Potential Causes of Bad Breath

January 26, 2017

There Are Many Potential Causes of Bad Breath Almost everyone will have bad breath at some point in their lives, though many people wouldn’t admit it. Chronic bad breath, commonly referred to as halitosis, can have serious causes but those who have bad breath occasionally can likely prevent the issue by simply following good home oral care tips. If you have bad breath, feel free to reach out to California Dental Group to find out how we can help in your specific case.

The many causes of bad breath

Most of the time, bad breath is simply caused by oral bacteria. This is typically caused by issues like being dehydrated, not brushing correctly, or experiencing dry mouth as a result of medications that lower the amount of saliva in your mouth. No matter what the cause, the following steps are a great place to start if you want to improve your oral health.

Simple tips for protecting against bad breath

If you follow these tips and still have bad breath, then it’s time to call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for your appointment.

  • Make sure you’re brushing twice a day for two or more minutes. This will remove bacteria and help prevent plaque from forming. Be sure that tongue brushing is a regular part of your tooth brushing plan – especially the back of your mouth where many odor-producing bacteria live.
  • Use mouthwash to help kill additional bacteria and to freshen your breath.
  • Sugarless gum is a great tool for stimulating saliva production. You could also eat a mint in a pinch, but this can leave a residue of sugar behind so it’s recommended only in a pinch.
  • Educate yourself on foods that can lead to bad breath. For example, onions, garlic, and coffee are all common culprits.
  • Flossing is an essential part of any oral hygiene plan. It helps get rid of food particles. If you have trouble getting to your back teeth, invest in a floss holder.
  • Drink enough water. Staying hydrated helps ensure proper saliva production, which helps keep bad breath at bay. The right amount of water for you will depend on the medications you take, how active you are, and other variables.
  • Avoid things that can make bad breath worse, such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes.

Chronic bad breath could be a sign of something more serious

If you have bad breath that just won’t quit, then you may need to consult with the experts. It can be a sign of something more serious like gum disease. At California Dental Group, we can assess your specific situation to find out what the possible causes are and to identify the best way to improve your breath. Call us today at (800) 407-0161 to set up your appointment.

Read Our Reviews