Persistent bad breath can be embarrassing, but it can also be frustrating. If brushing and flossing aren’t helping, you are probably ready to learn how to cure chronic bad breath.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis is chronic bad breath, but it’s important to note that it is normal to experience occasional bad breath. For instance, eating a garlic-y meal can cause breath to smell less-than-fresh. Some people even experience “morning breath” but that too usually goes away after drinking water and brushing your teeth.
But chronic bad breath is something different altogether. Chronic bad breath is often linked to an poor oral hygiene, but it can also be linked to an underlying medical condition. When you want to treat chronic bad breath, the best course of action to start with a visit to your dentist. A dentist can pinpoint the underlying cause, and by doing so, you can treat that condition in order to “cure” your chronic bad breath.
Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Before you can cure halitosis, let’s take a look at the most common causes of chronic bad breath.
Inadequate oral hygiene
Without good brushing and daily flossing, food debris remains lodged in between your teeth. As the food begins to break down, it emits an odor. Brushing and especially flossing removes bits of food that are stuck. It’s always a good idea to refresh your oral care routine if you notice your breath isn’t very fresh.
- Brush twice a day for a full two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Use mouthwash with the ADA seal
Infections
Infections are also notorious for causing bad breath. In fact, bad breath may be the first hint you notice that something is amiss. While oral infections can absolutely cause bad breath, you may also be surprised to learn that other infections in your body can also cause bad breath.
- Oral infections: Including gum disease, decay, infections after an oral surgery, and abscesses
- Throat infections
- Lung infections: You may notice this as air is pushed up as you breathe or talk.
- Sinus infections: When infected mucous drips in the back of your throat, the odor travels through your mouth.
Food consumption
Certain foods cause bad breath including:
- Onions
- Horseradish
- Canned tuna
Tobacco use
Smoking can also contribute to tooth decay, staining, and gum disease.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth causes bad breath because too much odor-causing bacteria builds up in a dry mouth. Salvia is the body’s natural defense against bacteria because it helps to wash the bacteria away.
Body-wide diseases
Beyond oral infections, certain diseases also cause halitosis. One of the biggest offenders is acid reflux disease. In this case, the odor you notice is actually the stomach acid that rises up. The only way to cure this bad breath is to treat the underlying condition. Other conditions that contribute to breath chances include:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Your dentist will refer you to your doctor for further treatment in these cases.
When to Call the Dentist
If brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is not enough to freshen your breath, it’s time to see your dentist. Contact us today, and we can help you freshen your breath.