Bad breath can be embarrassing and hard to live with. If you are one of the many who suffers from halitosis, also known as bad breath, then you are not alone. That is why our team here at Family & Implant Dentistry in Manhattan, Kansas is happy to talk to you about halitosis, and what causes it, so you can keep your smile healthy and fresh each day.
Halitosis can be triggered by several different situations. Some of these include:
-Bacteria: There are thousands of different kinds of bacteria that can live in your teeth and gums without proper care.
-Gum disease: Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and even bone loss. If you have halitosis, you could be suffering from gum disease and need to get it treated and reversed as soon as possible.
-Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a condition where your body is not producing enough saliva to wash away bad bacteria or food particles in your mouth. This can cause bacteria or foods to linger and become stinky.
-Food: We all know some foods like garlic, onions, and other spices can leave our breath a little foul. That is why making sure you rinse your smile out after eating, and brushing regularly can help against halitosis from these triggers.
-Tobacco: Tobacco is dangerous to your oral health and overall health and can cause a host of problems for you. Tobacco is a natural irritant to your gums and the bacteria can be sticky, putting your smile at risk for many problems and halitosis concerns.
-Medical conditions: There are many different medical conditions that can trigger halitosis, including medications that offer this side effect. If you feel this could be triggering your halitosis, be sure to tell your dentist, Dr. Josh Walker about any medications you are taking, so you can get the proper treatment you need.
As you can see, there are several different reasons halitosis can occur, which is why it is important to receive regular oral health checkups every six months. Having a regular checkup can eliminate oral health problems like cavities and halitosis, so you can keep your smile in the best oral health condition possible. If you have questions, or would like an appointment, please call us at 785-539-5949, so we can address your questions and keep your smile clean and fresh.