When was the last time somebody told you that your breath smells bad? If that has happened recently or more than once, you might wonder if brushing your teeth simply isn't enough anymore. After all, if you brush at least twice a day and use mouthwash, you may wonder why your breath still stinks.
If your breath smells bad no matter how much you brush, it could be due to any number of reasons. Here are a few possibilities.
You Have Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. It's usually caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of food and bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If you don't remove plaque regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove.
Gum disease can cause your breath to smell bad because the bacteria cause inflammation and infection. This can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause bad breath. Your family dentist may recommend gum disease treatment.
You Have Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when there's not enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important because it helps wash away food and bacteria. It also contains enzymes that break down food.
Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or simply not drinking enough water. It can also be a side effect of aging. If you have dry mouth, try drinking more water throughout the day and talking to your dentist.
You Have an Infection
If you have an infection in your mouth, it can cause your breath to smell bad. The most common type of infection is a tooth infection, which can occur if you have a cavity or cracked tooth. Infections can also occur in the gums, tongue, or throat.
Infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Talk to your dentist if you notice the signs.
You Don't Have Good Bacteria in Your Mouth
Your mouth contains good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria help keep the bad bacteria in check. However, if the balance of good and bad bacteria is off, it can lead to bad breath.
There are many ways to encourage good bacteria in your mouth, such as eating probiotic-rich foods, chewing gum with xylitol, or taking a probiotic each day.
Talk to Your Dentist About Bad Breath
If you're concerned about bad breath, talk to your dentist. They can help identify the cause and recommend treatment options.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!