Halitosis got your tongue? Everyone’s mouth gets a little funky from time to time, but if you are aware of the leading causes of bad breath, and actively work to prevent bacterial growth and tooth decay, you can overcome this smelly situation with ease.
Believe it or not, the culprit behind most bad breath isn’t the teeth – it’s the tongue!
Many people are unaware that the tongue requires attention during toothbrushing, as this mouthy muscle often ends up coated in a layer of bacteria. These living organisms multiply on your palate, excreting their own stinky emissions inside your mouth! Improper brushing and flossing also leaves behind food particles, which break down in the mouth and creates more odor issues.
Your food can also cause bad breath post-digestion due to certain compounds that travel through the bloodstream into the lungs and affect the odor. Practicing effective brushing techniques and flossing regularly will improve your breath and overall dental health, so be sure to ask your dentist to demonstrate proper dental self-care.
Smoking is another common cause of unsavory breath, for many reasons. Between the damage to your teeth, the notorious smokers’ stink that comes with cigarettes, and the digestive issues that smoking can cause, smoking is just a bad idea if you want fresh breath. Whether or not you smoke, if you suffer from dry mouth, you may also find you have an issue with bad breath, because the lack of saliva leads to increased bacterial growth in the mouth.
Of course, the foods you eat will also affect your breath, says WebMD, with strongly odored foods being more likely to ruin your romantic advances. Getting close to someone after consuming strongly flavored foods like garlic, onions, curry and other boldly flavored foods can be very uncomfortable if you aren’t aware of your own breath.
Likewise, poor digestive health can contribute to bad breath, with acid reflux being among the leading causes of smelly breath. Infections in the mouth, throat and digestive track will also cause your breath to change for the worse.
Remember, too, that some medications may also adversely affect your breath. TheraBreath offers an extensive list of medications that can impact your breath. While this side effect may be annoying, it can be made less noticeable by practicing good dental care.
Fortunately, there are many ways to combat the many causes of this stinky situation. If you are preemptive about caring for your body, especially your teeth, brushing and flossing twice or more a day will improve your breath overall, and awareness about the things you put into your body will keep your breath fresh all day long.
For more help or tips to help improve your breath – and your oral health! – talk with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your case. Contact Genesee Dental at 585-343-1113 to plan your next visit or schedule your next dental appointment online today!