Bad Breath? Here’s What You Can Do

From time to time, everyone has bad breath. It could be because you recently ate a garlic-heavy meal, or you might sometimes wake up with “morning mouth.” But what if it seems like your breath has a persistent unpleasant odor? What causes this issue, and what can you do to achieve a fresher smile? This blog post provides practical information.

Gum Disease

One of the most common causes of persistent bad breath is gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue. When bacteria invade the soft tissue around your teeth, it can lead to an unwanted odor that lingers no matter how many mints you eat or how many times you brush your teeth. You might also notice that your gums are red or swollen. They could even start to recede.

Because gum disease can lead to serious oral health complications down the road (including tooth loss), you should see your dentist for help. Sometimes, this condition can be reversed via thorough oral hygiene. In other situations, more extensive care is required. As the infection gets under control, you should notice that unpleasant tastes and odors in your mouth start to disappear.

Other Possible Causes of Bad Breath

Aside from gum disease, other possible causes of persistent bad breath include:

• Dry mouth. If you are not producing enough saliva, odor-causing bacteria may thrive. Drinking lots of water can help to address this problem. If one of your medications causes dry mouth, you may need to talk to your primary care practitioner about making some adjustments.
• Tobacco use. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco have a distinct smell, and they can contribute to dry mouth. They also inhibit the body’s ability to fight off infections. You should do what you can to kick the habit. In the meantime, drinking lots of water and sticking to a thorough oral hygiene may help.
• Improper cleaning of dentures. Dentures can collect bacteria on both the prosthetic teeth and the base that supports them. If you are unsure of how to properly clean your dentures, ask your dental team.
• Poor oral hygiene. You might notice bad breath if you occasionally skip brushing or flossing. You should be diligent about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Be sure to clean between your teeth, the backs of your teeth, and the area along your gumline. It is also important to clean your tongue, whether you use a tongue scraper or simply run your toothbrush over your tongue a few times.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing issue. Hopefully, the tips in this article will help you to freshen up your smile!

Meet the Practice

Dr. George Tzagournis and the rest of the team at Tzagournis Dental Group are proud to provide general oral health services to the Westerville, OH, community. Our dentists have several decades of combined experience. If you are struggling with bad breath, you suspect you have gum disease, or you have other concerns about your smile’s wellness, we would be happy to help you find a solution. Get in touch with us at 614-882-4032.