If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, you might be wondering if a dentist can help treat the root causes of this condition. Fortunately, the answer is yes, and understanding the potential causes and treatments can lead you to fresher breath and improved self-confidence.

Here’s how your dentist can help treat causes of chronic bad breath.

Comprehensive Oral Health Exam

A dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue to identify any signs of oral health issues that could be causing bad breath, such as cavities or gum disease.

There are many potential causes of chronic bad breath, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum disease
• Dry mouth
• Medical conditions
• Tobacco products
• Improper cleaning of dentures

By identifying potential causes, your dentist can develop an effective treatment plan to address the root causes and improve your bad breath [1].

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that traditional brushing and flossing can miss. This is crucial not only for maintaining a healthy mouth but also for preventing odor-causing bacteria from proliferating.

For people with gum disease or those who need a deep cleaning, your dentist may recommend a root planing and scaling, which is a more intensive procedure that helps clear away bacteria and plaque beneath the gumline [2].

If it’s been more than six months since you’ve had your teeth cleaned, it’s time to schedule an appointment to keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce potential causes of chronic bad breath.

Tongue Exfoliation

Your dentist may recommend or perform a professional tongue exfoliation to help with bad breath that won’t go away. The surface of the tongue can harbor bacteria and food particles, creating a breeding ground for bad breath. For some people, simple tongue brushing or scraping isn’t enough to remove built-up bacteria on the tongue. Exfoliating the tongue can significantly reduce these bacteria and help in managing halitosis.

Recommendations for Improved Oral Hygiene

In addition to identifying and treating underlying causes of chronic bad breath, dentists can offer personalized advice on oral hygiene products and practices that can help freshen your breath, including:

• Specialized mouthwashes designed for halitosis
• Flossing techniques to reach difficult areas
• Suggestions for dietary changes that can minimize bad breath

Identifying Other Health Concerns

If dental issues aren’t the primary cause of your bad breath, a dentist may refer you to a physician to investigate other potential medical conditions, such as diabetes, underlying kidney or liver disease, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), all of which can cause persistent bad breath [3]. Coordinated care between your dentist and general healthcare provider can result in a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

Take Action Now

Chronic bad breath can affect your confidence and quality of life, but you don’t have to live with it. Visit your dentist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. They can provide the expertise and care needed to address the root causes of halitosis and restore freshness to your breath. Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment and start the journey to a healthier, more confident you.

Sources:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23983-tooth-scaling-and-root-planing
3. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/surprising-causes-of-bad-breath 

The post Can a Dentist Help Treat Causes of Chronic Bad Breath? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, a common concern among those considering or already using aligners is whether they contribute to bad breath. It’s essential to examine the relationship between dental aligners and oral health to understand the potential causes of halitosis (bad breath) and how to prevent it.

The Connection Between Aligners and Bad Breath

Bad breath is an occasional problem for most people, but it can happen when wearing dental aligners due to:

• Trapped food particles. When there’s food residue in your mouth before putting aligners in, it can become trapped between your teeth and the aligner itself, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive [1].
• Lack of saliva flow. When aligners are worn consistently throughout the day, they can reduce the natural flow of saliva against teeth, which is crucial for washing away food particles and bacteria while protecting tooth enamel.
• Improper cleaning. Not taking proper care of your aligners or skipping a thorough brushing and flossing routine can make bad breath worse. Bacteria can quickly multiply inside a poorly cleaned aligner tray.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Bad Breath With Dental Aligners

While aligners can contribute to halitosis under certain circumstances, there are several strategies that aligner wearers can use to maintain fresh breath:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
2. Clean your aligners by gently brushing them twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush, clear antibacterial soap, and cool water. Your orthodontist may also recommend a cleaning solution specifically designed for aligners [2].
3. Drink plenty of water to help maintain optimal saliva levels, which can help reduce oral bacteria and food particles.
4. Limit sugary and starchy foods, which can create plaque and bacteria growth, leading to bad breath. 

When to Seek Professional Advice

If you continue to experience bad breath despite maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly cleaning your aligners, it’s time to consult your dentist. Persistent halitosis could indicate underlying dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, other health conditions that need professional evaluation [3].

Keep Your Smile Fresh and Confident

Using dental aligners doesn’t mean you have to suffer from bad breath. A combination of careful oral hygiene, proper maintenance of your aligners, and a healthy lifestyle will ensure that your breath stays fresh. If you have any concerns or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can provide invaluable guidance tailored to your unique dental needs so you can have excellent oral health while completing your aligner treatment!

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10509397/ 
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8871989/ 
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath 

The post Do Dental Aligners Cause Bad Breath? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

So, which foods are most likely to lead to bad breath? Here are the top culprits and what you can do to help reduce halitosis and keep your breath fresh.

Sulfur-Producing Foods

Certain foods, particularly those high in sulfur compounds, can contribute to bad breath. When bacteria in the mouth break down these compounds, the result is often a foul odor.

Common sulfur-rich foods include:

• Garlic and onions. Although these add delicious flavor to meals, they are infamous for causing bad breath. Both contain sulfur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to odor that escapes through the lungs and pores even hours after consumption [1].

• Cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are very healthy for you, but they can also lead to bad breath due to their sulfur content.

Dairy Products

Dairy lovers beware—milk, cheese, and yogurt can be double-edged swords when it comes to your mouth. While they are rich in calcium, they can also produce bad breath. The natural sugars and amino acids found in dairy are broken down by bacteria in the mouth, resulting in a sour, unpleasant smell [2].

Coffee and Alcohol

Beverages such as coffee, wine, and other alcoholic drinks can contribute significantly to bad breath [3]. These drinks have a drying effect on the mouth, reducing saliva production.

Saliva is crucial because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Without sufficient saliva, bacteria can thrive, leading to halitosis.

Sugary and Starchy Foods

Foods high in sugar and starch, like sweets and white bread, can also encourage the growth of bacteria. Sugar serves as a food source for bacteria, which in turn produce acid that contributes to bad breath. Similarly, starchy foods often break down into sugar in the mouth, providing yet more food for bacteria.

Anything Saucy

Foods that leave behind a sauce or residue, such as pasta with a rich tomato or cream sauce, can linger on the tongue and teeth. This residue feeds bacteria and can cause bad breath over time. To minimize the impact, try rinsing your mouth with water after consuming such foods.

Preventing Bad Breath: Practical Tips

While avoiding these foods might seem like the obvious solution, it’s not always practical or possible. Instead, try the following tips to manage bad breath effectively:

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove any food particles and reduce bacteria.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production and rinses away debris and bacteria.
• Chew sugar-free gum. This stimulates saliva production, helps neutralize acids, and freshens your breath [4].
• Use a tongue scraper. This can remove residual food particles and bacteria from the tongue, which are often major culprits of bad breath.

Bad breath can be both an embarrassing and avoidable issue with the right dietary and hygiene practices. If you’re constantly battling bad breath despite trying these solutions, it may be time to seek professional advice.

Ask Your Dentist About Halitosis

If you’re concerned about bad breath, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for an evaluation. Chronic bad breath can be a sign of an oral health or medical issue, so it’s important not to ignore this symptom if it persists even after eating these offending foods or brushing your teeth!

Sources:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321334#why-do-garlic-and-onions-cause-bad-breath
2. https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/halitosis/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534859/ 
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26189234/ 

The post Which Foods Can Contribute to Bad Breath? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Smoking is also harmful to your smile and can lead to deeply stained teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer. If you’ve considered quitting tobacco before, there’s never been a better time to do so! How can you get started?

Get Motivated and Prepare

Having motivation to quit is a great way to get started. Do you want to save money, be healthier, look younger, or be around for your family in the future?

Once you have your reasons for quitting (these will help you later when dealing with your cravings!), talk to your doctor. They may recommend nicotine replacement therapy, which can safely double your chances of successfully quitting [2].

Have a support network in place as well. Support could include people who know you’re planning to quit and are ready to be an encouraging support for your during this time, to apps that encourage and remind you about your reasons to quit!

Identify Potential Triggers

Your triggers are things that make you feel like smoking or things that you associate with smoking. Identify your triggers—these could be people you smoke with, certain times throughout the day when you smoke, or feelings that make you want to smoke.

To help name your triggers, keep a log of every time you feel like you want a cigarette, and note the time of day, the activity you’re doing, or the people you’re with, as well as the intensity of the caving.

Noting your triggers will be helpful when it comes time to quit so you can better navigate your cravings and know what situations it will be helpful to avoid in the beginning [3].

Be Ready to Deal With Your Cravings

Cravings will inevitably happen as your body withdrawals from nicotine. Former smokers can have cravings even months after quitting, so it’s smart to be prepared to deal with your cravings before setting your quit date.

What are some ways you can deal with your nicotine cravings?

• Avoid or remove yourself from triggering situations. If you’re in a situation that’s making you really want to smoke, consider leaving or at least taking a short walk to help get your mind off of smoking. If you can, do your best to avoid triggering situations, at least for the first few weeks!
• Find something to put in your mouth. During a bad craving, reach for sugarless gum, mints, or even sunflower seeds to help you get through it. Just be sure that whatever you choose is safe for your smile (for example, chewing on ice or pencils is a no!).
• Drink a glass of water. Water has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine and may even help lessen cravings [4].
• Stay active and busy. Start an exercise regimen, go outside, go somewhere where you can’t smoke, or otherwise distract yourself to help you get through the craving!

Don’t Give Up!

Many people have to try quitting tobacco numerous times to finally quit, but don’t give up—you can do this! Remind yourself why you quit in the first place and, if you have to, begin again and set another quit date. Your family, your body, and your smile will thank you!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_s
2. https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/how-to-quit/using-nicotine-replacement-therapy

3. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/how-to-quit-smoking.htm
4. https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping/vaping-addiction-nicotine-withdrawal

The post Kick Tobacco and Save Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Drinks that contain alcohol have been associated with certain oral health problems, and the more frequently you drink or the more alcohol you consume, your risk for these problems increases. Is alcohol bad for your dental health? We’ll let you decide after reading about its effects!

Alcohol Can Damage Tooth Enamel

Most types of alcohol are very acidic, and as such, are corrosive to tooth enamel [2]. What this means is that alcohol can wear away tooth enamel over time, especially if you neglect to brush your teeth before bed after a night of drinking.

Alcohol also dehydrates the body, which leads to less saliva in your oral cavity. Less saliva means less protection for your tooth enamel, which can lead to damage that can cause tooth sensitivity, an increased risk for tooth decay, and oral infections. Between its dehydrating effects and its acidity, alcohol can hurt your tooth enamel!

Drinking Aggravates Your Gum Tissue

People who drink alcohol frequently are at an increased risk to develop periodontal (gum) disease [3]. Because drinkers tend to have worse oral health habits than those who don’t drink, they’re more likely to develop gum disease at some point in their lives.

Drinkers also tend to have more plaque in their oral cavities, which can accumulate around the gums to cause the irritation and infection characteristic of gum disease. In people who have existing gum disease, drinking can make the condition worse!

Increased Risk for Oral Cancer

Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of numerous types of cancer, including oral cancer. In fact, alcohol abuse is the second largest risk factor for developing oral cancer [4]. Oral cancer includes cancers of the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, and sinuses

If caught early, treatment for oral cancer has a relatively high success rate, but if not caught early, the disease can be life-threatening. Fortunately, your dentist can conduct an oral cancer screening whenever you visit for checkups as part of your exam!

So is alcohol bad for your dental health? Between its effect on tooth enamel, gum tissue, and the fact that it increases your risk for oral cancer, we would say so! If you do choose to drink, always drink in moderation and sip water with your drink to minimize alcohol’s effects on your teeth.

The best thing you can do besides live a healthy lifestyle is visit your dentist regularly to ensure that if there are any problems with your smile, they’re caught early to give you plenty of time and treatment options to fix them!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307043/
2. https://humanhealthproject.org/alcohol-and-your-mouth/
3. https://www.perio.org/consumer/alcohol-negative-effect-on-gum-health
4. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/alcohol-connection/

The post Is Alcohol Bad for Your Dental Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Chronic bad breath is usually a sign that an underlying problem is present, so you should always follow up with your dentist to evaluate your smile if you have persistent bad breath.

It’s understandable that you’d want your stinky breath to go away as soon as possible. While you’re waiting to see your dentist, what can you do the meantime to have a clean and fresh smile?

Mouthwash

Mouthwash can temporarily help your chronic bad breath although it won’t fix the cause of it. It’s important to not rely on mouthwash as a permanent solution to a constant bad odor or foul taste in your mouth.

You can ask your dentist which mouthwash you should use or he or she may prescribe a
mouthwash for you based on your symptoms and the cause of your bad breath [1].

You can also try to rinse your mouth out with essential oils if you have them on hand, such as peppermint. Try rinsing with one or two drops of peppermint essential oil in water which can give you a powerful boost of fresh breath!

Drink Water

Another major cause of chronic bad breath is dehydration, which can affect saliva production. When your oral cavity doesn’t have enough saliva, bacteria can quickly get out of control [2]. If your mouth feels dry, try drinking more water throughout the day and reducing your caffeine intake (which includes coffee, soda, and most teas).

Drinking water can help alleviate your chronic bad breath quickly, so don’t overlook this simple but important practice!

Chew Gum

Chewing gum can not only help mask your chronic bad breath, but will help increase saliva production which could be contributing to your bad breath in the first place.

The best gum to chew is sugar-free gum so it won’t increase your risk of cavities. When you need a fast chronic bad breath remedy, chewing gum is easy enough to have on hand.

Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue is home to many bacteria so be sure to brush your tongue along with brushing your teeth and flossing daily. Whether you use your regular toothbrush or a tongue scraper, don’t overlook this important part of your oral care routine!

Foods That May Help

There are certain foods that may help your chronic bad breath in a pinch. These include:

• Spices such as cinnamon sticks, clove buds, and fennel seeds that you can suck or bite
  on (but not chew). You’ll want to spit out these spices after biting as they tend to be
  strong and can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Citrus fruit rinds such as lemon, lime, or orange, which you can rinse off and briefly
  chew on to alleviate stinky breath.
• Eating or chewing herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint can help as well, so order a dish with these when you’re out at lunch!

Getting Help for Your Chronic Bad Breath

It’s important to remember that gum disease is the main cause of chronic bad breath, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your dentist to check for this oral health condition [3]. By addressing the root cause of your bad breath, you can get it to go away once and for all!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350925
2. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig258649spec
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412664/

The post Fast Remedies for Chronic Bad Breath appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Chronic bad breath may be trying to tell you something about your oral health in addition to
impacting your professional life and your personal relationships.

When you’re at your wit’s end dealing with your bad breath, these simple tips may be able to
help alleviate the issue and get your smile back on track!

Floss

If you aren’t flossing daily, you’re allowing plaque, food particles, and other bacteria to get
stuck between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach in between your teeth to access these
tight spaces, and so the material is left to sit there and accumulate.

Over time, this debris can cause a putrid smell, which may be contributing to your chronic bad
breath. If you haven’t flossed in a while, it’s time to start. Use about 18 inches of floss and use a
new, clean section of the floss for each pair of teeth that you floss between.

Flossing may be uncomfortable or cause bleeding the first time, but your mouth should quickly
become accustomed to the practice and you might just help your bad breath!

See Your Dentist

Chronic bad breath could be a sign of an ongoing infection, such as that which is present with
gum disease. In fact, having bad breath that doesn’t go away is a common sign that gum
disease is present.

If gum disease is caught early, it’s relatively easy to reverse. Your dentist can conduct a deep
cleaning to remove any infection or plaque that’s built up around or underneath the gumline.

Since gum disease is very common—nearly half of all Americans have some form of it—there’s
no need to panic, but you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to address the
problem. If gum disease is found to be the cause of your bad breath, the problem will go away
with treatment!

Brush Your Tongue

A lot of bacteria can accumulate on your tongue, and people don’t always remember to brush
this part of their mouth. However, brushing your tongue is as simple as using your toothbrush
or a tongue scraper to brush away bacteria that’s accumulated there.

If your oral care routine doesn’t include tongue brushing, try adding this practice and see if it
helps your chronic bad breath—it might just help you to have a cleaner, fresher mouth!

Drink More Water

If you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day, dry mouth could be contributing to
your chronic bad breath. Many people don’t realize that a dry mouth can mean a stinky mouth!
Saliva plays an important role in balancing bacteria and protecting our teeth from harmful
acids.

When you don’t drink enough water, there’s not enough saliva present to do its job, so bad
bacteria can quickly cause your breath to turn sour. So not only is not drinking enough water
negatively impacting your smile—it could also be causing bad breath!

Do you experience bad breath on a regular basis? When it seems like nothing is helping and
your bad breath always returns, it’s time to seek help from your dentist. He or she can help
determine if gum disease is causing your chronic bad breath and help you have a healthy smile
again!

The post Simple Tips for Battling Chronic Bad Breath appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that normally forms over the areas of extraction is
somehow dislodged or never properly forms in the first place. When the blood clot is no longer
there, it leaves nerve tissue and even bone exposed after your procedure.

Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible, but how can you know if
you have dry socket, and what can be done about it?

How Dry Socket Happens

Dry socket can happen for a variety of reasons. Food debris or bacteria may somehow cause
the clot to dislodge or improperly form. Any type of trauma to the area, whether it’s
accidentally hitting it with your toothbrush or chewing foods that are too hard, can also cause
this issue.

People who smoke or neglect to follow their dentist’s instructions for care after wisdom tooth
removal are more at risk to experience dry socket, as are those who are on oral contraception,
as higher levels of estrogen may interfere with clot formation.

Signs and Symptoms

Dry socket will cause some discomfort and is generally painful. Patients usually experience pain
on the corresponding side of their jaw where the affected extraction site is. This pain or
throbbing may spread throughout the face.

Patients may also experience a bad taste in their mouth or have bad breath that doesn’t go
away after brushing, which can be indicative of an infection. In addition, bone may be visible at
the extraction site.

Treatment for Dry Socket

If you have a dry socket, treatment at your dentist’s office will be required. Your dentist will
clean the area in order to help prevent an infection—or treat an existing infection if
necessary—and will provide a numbing cream or gel for the pain.

Your dentist will send you home with instructions for aftercare which may include rinsing with
saltwater. A follow-up appointment is necessary to ensure the extraction site is healing
properly after your initial visit.

How to Prevent Complications After Extraction

You can have a healthy healing process after your tooth extraction by following your dentist’s
instructions. The following tips can help prevent dry socket:

Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you haven’t quit yet, talk to your dentist or doctor about
getting help. Chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes should be avoided as well!

Eat softer foods. Sticking to soft foods after the procedure can help prevent trauma to
the extraction site and accelerate the healing process.

Keep your mouth clean. It’s important to brush gently yet thoroughly and avoid the
extraction site.

Rest. Take it easy for one to two days after your procedure to give your body time to
heal.

Fortunately, dry socket won’t happen to the majority of patients that need a tooth extraction.
However, if you’re worried about getting a dry socket, talk to your dentist. He or she can
provide additional tips to help you avoid this complication after your procedure. By following
your dentist’s instructions, you’ll be back to normal in no time!

The post What is a Dry Socket? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Due to the grooves of teeth and hard-to- reach back teeth, spots get missed and plaque can
build up. When plaque isn’t consistently removed, it can turn into tartar, where it will need to
be removed by a dentist.

The following are important places you should brush in your mouth that many people miss. Are
you missing these places? Read on to find out more!

Gums

Although our teeth are the main focus of our brushing routine, the gumline should get some
attention, too. This is where your gums meet your teeth. Most oral healthcare professionals
recommend brushing with your toothbrush head angled down at a 45-degree angle towards
the gum-line to remove any food and bacteria trapped there.

It’s essential to be gentle when brushing your teeth and gums, especially if you have gum
disease or are experiencing gum recession. Brush carefully, ensuring you clean your gumline
while still giving your teeth enough attention.

Tongue

Many people also neglect to brush their tongue as part of their regular oral care routine.
Brushing your tongue is important—but why?

Your tongue is home to bacteria just like the rest of your mouth. It can cause bad breath when
not regularly cleaned, allowing bacteria and food particles to get trapped by mucus on the
surface of your tongue.

Fortunately, brushing your tongue is simple enough and doesn’t require any additional tools
besides your regular toothbrush. Start in the back of your mouth and brush towards the front
when it comes to your tongue and rinse with water afterwards. You don’t need much pressure
to get your tongue clean with your toothbrush, so again, carefulness and consistency is the best
way!

Back Sides of Front Teeth

While many people are relatively savvy at brushing all sides of their molars, the big teeth in the
back of the mouth, the front teeth are often overlooked.

These missed areas include the back of your front bottom teeth and the back of your front top
teeth, which include your incisors, canines, and laterals. Tartar can easily build up here if you’re
consistently missing these places when you brush.

Yes, brushing behind your front teeth will require some maneuvering with your toothbrush, but
once you get into the habit of it, these places will no longer feel difficult to reach. Beware of
hidden plaque in these areas—if you can feel the fuzzy texture of plaque on the back sides of
your front teeth, be sure not to miss these places when you brush today!

Do you commonly miss these essential places in your mouth to brush? From brushing the
gumline to your tongue to the back sides of your front teeth, getting all these areas is important
for removing plaque. Remember that a professional cleaning every six months can enhance
your oral care routine and ensure you’re not missing any spots!

The post Are You Missing These Important Places When You Brush? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If you find that you have bad breath almost all the time, even after brushing or using
mouthwash, something else is likely going on that needs to be addressed. What could chronic bad breath mean? Here’s what might be affecting your smile and why you should get it checked out.

You Could Have Gum Disease

Gum disease is often the culprit behind chronic bad breath. This is because the infection that’s present beneath your gumline can’t be removed with regular brushing and flossing. This will create either a bad taste in your mouth or a foul odor, or both. In addition to this symptom, you might also see blood when brushing or have tender gum tissue.

Since gum disease can lead to tooth loss over time, it’s crucial that you get this checked out by a dentist. Catching gum disease early can help you avoid intensive treatment and may just save your smile—and alleviate your chronic bad breath!

You May Be Dehydrated

If you’re not drinking enough fluid throughout the day, you could be dehydrated. Consider your daily fluid intake. If you’re drinking fluids that will ultimately dehydrate you, including coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated teas, you could be contributing to your chronic bad breath and not even realize it!

While it’s fine to have these beverages, you should be sure to drink plenty of water as well. For every drink with caffeine or alcohol in it, have a glass of water. This will help balance the dehydrating effect these drinks can have on your body and your mouth. Water can restore your bacteria balance and help stop bad breath.

You Could Have an Underlying Illness

There are certain illnesses where bad breath is a sign. These include liver or kidney disease, renal failure, diabetes, asthma, and even throat cancer. There’s no way to know what your bad breath is telling you without getting evaluated by a physician. Your first stop should be the dentist’s office to ensure you don’t have tooth decay or gum disease or exhibit any signs of oral cancer.

If none of these things are present, it’s time to see your doctor to see exactly what your bad breath is trying to tell you. If your bad breath remains without a cause, don’t ignore it. Getting this symptom checked out might just save your life!

When it comes to halitosis, you should absolutely see a professional to determine what’s causing the problem. If increasing your fluid intake doesn’t help, you should see a dentist to evaluate your smile and then a physician to ensure there’s nothing else going on. Don’t let chronic bad breath impact your life—you can determine the cause and stop this embarrassing problem once and for all!

The post Is Chronic Bad Breath Impacting Your Life? Read On appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.