Despite the practice of regular brushing and flossing, everyone can still experience bad breath due to its several causes. Halitosis or bad breath is something one must not ignore since it can affect a person’s life. Contrary to what most people think, the use of mints, gums, mouthwash, or daily brushing can’t solve the problem right away. Halitosis is not like “morning breath”, it can remain for a long time, or it may even be a sign of something more serious.

Let us at Riverheart Family Dentistry share with you a list of factors that should be avoided to keep the breath fresh. Continue reading below!

Food and beverages

Sometimes, the food and drink a person consumes can be a reason for bad breath. Foods are absorbed into the bloodstream and move to the lungs; thus, affecting the air a person exhales. Brushing the teeth and using mouthwash is only a temporary solution to the problem by temporarily masking the odor. Some of the foods and beverages include onions, garlic, certain spices, soda, orange juice, alcohol, and more.

Dry mouth

Saliva is an essential factor for a healthy mouth and breath since it is responsible for rinsing and removing unwanted leftovers from the mouth. It also helps in breaking down the food when eating while also providing a disease-fighting substance to help prevent cavities and infections. If you don’t have enough saliva, it can lead to bad breath or halitosis. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, alcohol intake, tobacco use, or even excessive caffeine.

Smoking and tobacco

Tobacco can inflict damage to a person’s body and breath. Not only that it causes bad breath, but it can also be a cause of having dry mouth. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, which can also be a factor of having halitosis.

Poor dental hygiene

The practice of poor oral care like not brushing the teeth as well as not cleaning the tongue and gums thoroughly can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth. If not corrected, this can lead to bad breath. The inflammation of the gums is a result of poor dental hygiene, and this can also cause halitosis.

Health problems

Bad breath can sometimes indicate significant health problems like a sinus infection, liver or kidney disease, chronic lung infections, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and more.

But whatever its cause is, patients need to seek the assistance of a dental professional since they can effectively determine the exact cause of bad breath then recommend the best course of treatment.

If you want to own a fresh smile and breath, Riverheart Family Dentistry is here for you. Check out our Halitosis Treatment in O'Fallon, MO! Visit us at 8618 Mexico Rd. O'Fallon, MO 63366 for an initial consultation to get started.