Posted

Everyone experiences bad breath at some point in their life. Most of us wake up in the morning with some not-so-fresh morning breath, and many of us have eaten some garlic or onions that sticks with our breath long after the meal. Unfortunately, there are a good number of people who find themselves with bad breath without knowing the cause. Those of us more acquainted with the battle of bad breath find ourselves constantly reaching for the gum or mints in an effort to cover the stink. When covering it up becomes routine, it may be time to pinpoint the cause of the odor.

Lifestyle Causes

As mentioned above, the food we eat can affect our breath. Along with food, certain drinks, like coffee, can cause an unpleasant odor. Smoking cigarettes and tobacco can also negatively affect your breath. Smoking can also impact your sense of smell; smokers might not smell their own bad breath. Drinking water can help to rinse bacteria leftover from food and drink. Good oral hygiene with regular brushing or flossing can also help combat the surface-level causes of foul-smelling breath.

Seasonal allergies could be a culprit

Seasonal allergies and/or sinus problems can cause bad breath. Allergies tend to come with post-nasal drip that can introduce bacteria into the mouth. Some allergy medications can cause dry mouth. Without saliva constantly rinsing out your mouth, you could be left with bad breath-causing particles.

Cavities and gum disease

Cavities cause the tooth to decay, which leads to an unpleasant smell.  Gum disease can also lead to bad breath. If you’ve ruled out surface level causes like food, drink, or smoking, and causes from illness or medication, it might be time to reason affecting your oral health. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help prevent both cavities and gum disease.

Your dentist can help you fight the battle against bad breath

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in oral health. Schedule a consultation by calling 817-473-6227. Located in Mansfield, TX, we also welcome patients and families from all surrounding communities including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.