What Causes Bad Breath?
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about the smell of your breath? It is not unusual to experience bad breath from time to time. This is extremely common after eating certain foods and drinking certain beverages, such as coffee. However, if you are regularly experiencing bad breath not caused by food or beverages, then you may be dealing with an oral health problem. Bad breath is one of the warning signs that you may have a condition that needs to be treated.
Causes of Bad Breath
There are a number of issues with your oral health that can lead to bad breath, including:
Lack of Oral Hygiene
One of the leading causes of bad breath is the lack of an oral hygiene routine. If you are not brushing your teeth properly or not flossing on a daily basis, the buildup of lingering food and bacteria can cause issues with bad breath. It is similar to food that may sit out for long periods of time and develop an odor. Just as a reminder, you should be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice a day and using dental floss daily.
Gum Disease
Although this condition has very few warning signs, one of the few is bad breath. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults at some point during their lifetime, so there is a good chance you or a loved one may experience it. Signs of gum disease can also include red and swollen gums.
Tooth Decay
Another common cause of bad breath is tooth decay. If tooth decay is left untreated, it will continue to develop and progress until treatment is received. If we recommend treatment for decay or any other oral health problem, it is important that you schedule and receive it as soon as possible.
If you are located in Meridian, ID, or the surrounding area and find yourself regularly experiencing bad breath, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. If you have a problem with your oral health, we want to determine the issue and create a treatment plan as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you soon to help restore your oral health. Clear Aligners are an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces. Continue reading to learn more.
