When you first meet someone, what do you notice? You probably look at their hair, skin, teeth, and clothes. You might not think about their breath at all — unless they have bad breath. If they have a stinky mouth, that might be the only thing you notice about them. You don’t want to be the guy (or gal) who is perpetually categorized by others as the person with smelly breath. Your dentist is here to list some of the causes of those nasty odors and give you some tips on how to stay fresh and kissable (or at least talk-to-able).
Poor Oral Hygiene
This is probably the number one culprit behind bad breath. You might think you have good habits, but if you’re struggling with bad breath, it’s possible that your routine could use some revamping. Not sure what you’re doing wrong? Visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup; they’ll be able to give you personalized advice on how to keep a clean mouth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when bacteria sneaks beneath your gum line, and bad breath is one of the telltale signs of this condition. If the disease is in its early stages, you might be able to stop it with a deep cleaning by your dentist and a few adjustments to the way you brush and floss. If the problem has progressed, your dental care professional might need to perform surgery.
Food
Can’t get enough garlic? Too bad it, along with other pungent foods, causes bad breath. Mints do little to fix the problem because these foods contain oils that get into your blood. The blood goes into your lungs, and the odor comes out in the air you breathe. The problem might not have anything to do with your mouth! The best way to avoid this type of bad breath is to say no to stinky foods — or at least wait to enjoy them until you won’t be around people for a while.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps to wash away odor-causing bacteria, and when saliva production takes a plunge, the odor-meter goes up. Drink lots of water, avoid foods that contain a lot of salt or sugar, and, if necessary, use a mouth rinse that is designed to address dry mouth.
Tobacco
Tobacco products wreak havoc on your oral hygiene, and because they dull your senses of taste and smell, you might not even know that your breath smells bad. The best way to stop the problem is to stop smoking or chewing tobacco. If that goal is out of reach for the moment, your best bet is to spend some extra time cleaning your teeth each day and have regular appointments with your dentist.
Nobody wants bad breath! If your mouth is a little stinky, try the tips above — you’ll feel fresher and more confident.
About Flenniken Family Dentistry
The team of doctors at Flenniken Family Dentistry is committed to helping all their patients have healthy — and fresh — mouths. If you’re struggling with bad breath, why not come in for a cleaning (or maybe just to ask some questions)? You can contact us at 717-249-7777.
