It is easy to accept that your breath is not at its best after three cups of coffee or when you’ve just eaten a loaded cheeseburger. If you notice bad breath throughout the day, or several days in row, it may be time to look a little further. Some bad breath causes can be addressed and corrected by you at home, and others may need professional intervention. Regular preventative checkups are a great time to bring breath concerns to our attention, so we can put your mind at ease or discuss with you if further treatment is warranted.
One Cause of Bad Breath: What You Ate
Sometimes bad breath is really part of your breath. If you ate foods from the allium family (like garlic and onions) your body breaks them down into a gas that has a sulfurous smell that most people find unpleasant. As this compound circulates in your bloodstream, it can transfer to the air in your lungs and you breathe out traces of the sulphur smell when you exhale. The good news is that avoiding these foods will take care of the problem.
A Second Cause: Infrequent Brushing and Flossing
Perhaps the odor is coming from your mouth. Microscopic bits of food are left behind after every meal and snack, and if they are left in place, the natural bacteria in your mouth will begin to help them decay, leaving behind a sticky film of plaque and an unpleasant odor. While saliva helps irrigate the mouth, you can help keep your mouth clean by rinsing with a swish or water after snacks, sipping on water during the day, and brushing at least twice a day and carefully flossing to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth and at the gum line.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, where bacteria has been allowed to collect at and under the gum line, and pockets of irritation and infection have taken hold. Gingivitis is often reversible in the early stages, and we can show you how to combat it at any checkup or consultation. Untreated gingivitis usually progresses to periodontal disease. There are a number of treatments we can do in our office that combat periodontal disease. Tobacco use, pregnancy, certain medication and certain conditions can all impart odor to your breath. If you are following a very low carbohydrate diet, you may experience bad breath as a side effect. Any persistent bad breath should be brought to our attention, so we can help you determine if it is minor annoyance, or if needs more immediate attention.
ABOUT YOUR ANKENY PREVENTIVE DENTIST:
Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230.
