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Causes of Bad Breath & What to Do About It

August 17, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. John Maheu @ 6:40 pm
image of foods that can cause bad breath

Every August 6th, people spend National Fresh Breath Day celebrating being halitosis-free and practicing good oral health habits to keep things that way. Having bad breath can make it difficult for you to feel confident in social situations, and it may also be a sign of oral health issues. To make sure this holiday is spent the right way, read on to learn about a few things that can cause bad breath as well as some ways to prevent it.

7 Potential Causes of Bad Breath

Also called halitosis, bad breath can be caused by several things, including:

  • Poor dental health – To keep your teeth healthy and prevent bad breath, you should brush twice per day and floss every night. If you don’t do this, the bacteria that cause bad breath can accumulate in your mouth.
  • Dry mouth – When you aren’t producing enough saliva, this leads to dry mouth. This occurs naturally when you sleep, which is why many people wake up with “morning breath.”
  • Unhealthy lifestyle habits – If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, these things can cause bad breath. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol can cause dry mouth.
  • Certain foods – If you eat or drink things like coffee, garlic, alcohol, onions, soda, and cheese, this can leave an unpleasant smell in your mouth.
  • Not eating enough – Not eating enough food can also make your breath smell bad. This is because it reduces saliva production, which lets the oral bacteria that cause bad breath and food particles linger in your mouth.
  • Certain medications – There are some medications that can encourage bad breath by contributing to dry mouth.
  • Mouth infections – An infection in the mouth, such as gum disease or an infected tooth, can also cause your breath to smell bad.

How to Keep Your Breath Fresh

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your breath fresh. For one, don’t participate in bad oral habits like smoking, using tobacco products, drinking alcohol excessively, or consuming foods that can cause halitosis. You should also practice great oral hygiene by brushing your teeth for two minutes every morning and every night.

Additionally, floss after you eat your last meal of the day to remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. You should also visit your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings. This will allow them to identify and treat oral health issues that could potentially be making your breath smell bad.

There are several things that can cause bad breath. This National Fresh Breath Day, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet and practice good oral hygiene to keep your smile healthy, happy, and fresh!

About the Practice

For over 50 years, the team at Central Dental Associates has been serving patients living in the Norwood area. They are led by six talented dentists who are dedicated to providing patients with a state-of-the-art dental care experience. They provide a range of preventive dental treatments to help you maintain a healthy set of pearly whites and keep dry mouth at bay. For more information on halitosis or to make an appointment with Central Dental Associates, visit their website or call their office at (781) 769-3566.

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