If you have ever suffered the embarrassment of being told that your breath smells, then you are one of the lucky ones. Most people go around with stinky breath and no one tells them; people just avoid being in close proximity with them. If you find out, one way or the other, that you have bad breath, here are some common causes:
Poor dental hygiene
Dentists recommend that we brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once. If you don’t do these regularly, you probably have a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, and this may be the cause of your bad breath. To get rid of it, improve your dental hygiene (and remember to brush your tongue). You should also visit a dentist twice yearly for a professional cleaning.
Smoking or chewing tobacco products
Cigarettes and tobacco-based products, whether you smoke or chew them, cause your breath to smell like burning dirt. That’s not all, these products lead to gum disease; which also causes bad breath. Cut down on your tobacco consumption and get your mouth checked out immediately.
Dry mouth
Saliva removes food particles from the mouth, helping to keep it clean deodorize it. When the mouth does not secrete as much saliva as it should, your breath starts to smell; this is why your breath smells bad after sleeping. Coffee and some prescription medications have also been known to slow down the production of saliva, leading to stinky breath. Cut down on your coffee consumption and drink more water; water improves saliva production.
Other common causes of bad breath include indigestion, stomach disorders, constipation, excessive alcohol intake, foods with strong smells, and high-sugar/high-protein diets. Visit Mission Bend Family Dentistry in Richmond, Texas for professional cleaning and your yearly dental checkups. Call 832-895-5110 to make an appointment.