Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a condition wherein you have an unpleasant odor in your mouth due to bad bacteria. It is a medical condition that can also be called ozostomia, stomatodysodia, and fetor oris. There are many factors that contribute to the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth. They can be the food that you eat, other related diseases, and bad habits. But the most important factor is your dental hygiene. You may visit your family dentist in Longmont to take care of your teeth and mouth.
Food and Drinks
The most common food that may cause a bad smell in your mouth includes garlic, onions, and spices. They have strong odors that cannot be easily removed from your mouth. Food particles left in your mouth has the biggest contribution to the growth of bacteria. When you eat food with a strong odor, the odor enters your bloodstream and ends up in your lungs. This also causes bad breath. The liquids that you take can also be a cause of bad breath. The most common are alcohol and coffee. They have strong odors and ingredients, so they cannot be easily washed off from your mouth. Not drinking them for too long can help remove the bad smell.
Smoking and Tobacco
If you go out and ride public vehicles, especially air-conditioned ones, you can identify the smokers from the non-smokers. Even if they don’t open their mouths, you can smell the tobacco odor from them. What more if they talk? You can easily smell their bad breath. Smoking does not develop only bad breath but also gum diseases. It can also lessen the strength of your taste buds. There are other bad effects of smoking on your body. It is hard to remove the strong odor in your mouth. Even if you brush your teeth or gargle with mouthwash, the odor will still remain. The best solution is to quit smoking.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Leaving food particles in your mouth is inevitable because people always eat. If you do not clean your teeth and mouth, bacteria and diseases will develop. Once the food is broken down, it releases a gas called hydrogen sulfide, which is the cause of bad breath. Also, when you eat, there are food particles left in between your teeth. If they are not removed immediately, they can rot and produce a bad smell.
If bacteria are left in your mouth, the food that you have recently taken can mix with your saliva. Both of them will form a plaque. It is colorless and sticky. If it builds up on your teeth and gums, it can cause tooth decay and gingivitis. Hence, as early as now, learn to properly brush your teeth two to three times a day. Dental floss and mouthwash will also help with cleaning your mouth.
There are other causes of bad breath, such as dry mouth developed after a night of sleeping, medications, and illnesses such as tonsillitis, liver problems, acid reflux, kidney problems, and bronchitis. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly to determine the main causes of your bad breath so that you can easily deal with them. You will gain the confidence to smile more and face people without worries.
