Bad breath is common, and most people will have to deal with it at some point in their lives. For instance, morning breath affects virtually everybody, and your breath might not be at its freshest after a whole day without brushing your teeth. However, most cases of common bad breath go away after a quick cleaning at the sink. If yours doesn’t, then there a few things you should know about chronic bad breath and what it may be trying to tell you.
Did You Know…?
- You can expect your breath to smell a little foul after eating a meal covered in onions or garlic. However, the most common reasons for bad breath are not food, but rather the bacteria that already live in your mouth. Oral bacteria, which form plaque when enough of them gather, are the main cause behind many dental issues, including cavities and gum disease. The bacteria that like to accumulate on your tongue, however, are particularly known for causing chronic bad breath.
- By themselves, bacteria are harmless; the true threats are the substances that different oral bacteria create. When the oral bacteria on your tongue consume proteins, for instance, they metabolize them and convert them into foul-smelling sulfur compounds. The more bacteria gather, the stronger the sulfur gases will be, and the more pungent your breath will become.
- A simple way to help prevent chronic bad breath is to brush your tongue every time you brush and floss your teeth. If that doesn’t work, then you may already have developed a more serious issue. Tooth decay, which gradually erodes your tooth structure, and gum disease, which attacks and destroys your gum tissues, can cause bad breath as one of their many symptoms. If your bad breath won’t go away despite improvements to your hygiene routine, then you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to determine if you need treatment.
Your Dentist Can Help You Beat Bad Breath
Don’t let chronic bad breath hold you back; get help from your dentist to beat it for good. To schedule a consultation, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).