Bad breath causes, symptoms, and treatments

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, and is not always related to an underlying condition.

What are the common potential causes of bad breath?

-Consuming certain foods
-Using tobacco products, including smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco
-Poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles will remain in your mouth, causing bad breath (plaque). Your tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors.
-Some medications can indirectly contribute to dry mouth and produce bad breath
-Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that cause bad odors. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to “morning breath,” and it worsens if you sleep with your mouth open.
-Infections in your mouth. Bad breath can be caused by surgical wounds after oral surgery (tooth removal, or as a result of tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores.)
-Other mouth, nose and throat conditions can also cause bad breath to occur

Ways to Help Treat Bad Breath Symptoms

-Ensure you are regularly brushing your teeth- at least twice a day
-Floss every day and use a mouth rinse after brushing
-Avoid smoking and using smokeless tobacco products
-Regularly drink water
-Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables between meals

There are several common dental conditions that are also related to bad breath, including:

-Periodontal Disease: A common gum infection that damages the bone and soft tissue that supports the tooth. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria located in dental plaque.
-Tonsillitis: A painful swelling of the tonsils due to infection.
-Dental Abscess: A bacterial infection that causes pus at the root of a tooth, causing pain, swelling in the cheek, and bad breath.
-Gingivitis: A bacterial infection causing inflammation of the gums around the base of the teeth, causing swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, and bad breath.

The experienced dentists at Galliano Family Dentistry have helped countless people improve their dental health. Contact the dentists today to learn more.

*You should see a doctor immediately if you are in severe tooth pain or notice any visible lesions in the mouth, or have oozing fluids from the gums.