FYI: Bacteria in the tongue or mouth is the most common cause of bad breath. Bacteria produce Volatile Sulfur Compounds, which are what cause the bad breath odor.
Other common causes of bad breath include:
1. Garlic, onions and other strong smelling foods - If this is the source of your bad breath, try brushing your teeth and flossing after eating the offending food. Also, try CloSYS Mouth Rinse. CloSYS is quite effective at eliminating odors caused by food.
2. Periodontal/gum disease - If you have periodontal disease, chances are you have bad breath. Treating your gum infection is the first step in eliminating your bad breath. Long term, PerioProtect offers a great treatment for gum disease and keeping your breath fresher. CloSYS can also be helpful for controlling bacteria levels and bad breath caused by gum disease.
3. Post Nasal Drip - Unfortunately, breath odor caused by postnasal drip is difficult to overcome unless the nasal drainage can be stopped. The most effective treatment for this, besides controlling the drainage, is gargling and swishing with CloSYS on a regular basis (being careful not to swallow any). Also be sure to keep up with brushing your tongue and flossing.
4. Smoking- Unless you plan on quitting, there's no cure for a smoker's breath. You can use Xylitol gum and mints frequently to freshen your breath.
5. Systemic medical problems - From diabetes to liver failure, there are a number of systemic conditions that can lead to bad breath. If you suspect your bad breath could be caused by a medical condition, please contact our office or your physician so the cause can be determined.
If you feel you have breath odor, please bring it up at your next dental visit and we'll make suggestions to help you freshen your breath. No matter the cause, there are treatments or recommendations that we can provide.
Want fresher breath? Try these simple steps to help improve your breath.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper - The majority of breath odor originates from bacteria in the grooves on your tongue. By brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper, you can reduce the amount of bacteria on your tongue.
- Try Closys Mouth Rinse - Closys doesn't try to "cover up" bad breath like most other mouth rinses. Instead, it neutralizes the bacteria byproducts that cause bad breath. Plus, it kills bacteria that can lead to gingivitis/gum disease. Closys is available at our office as well as most drug stores, Target and Wal-Mart.
- Use 100% Xylitol Mints or Gum daily - Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that is suitable for diabetics. It freshens breath, stimulates saliva and helps prevent tooth decay. Make sure your gum/mints contain 100% Xylitol for the most benefit. 100% Xylitol gums and mints can be found at our office, health food stores and Whole Foods.
