Bad breath — technically referred to as halitosis — can be the result of poor dental habits, eating certain kinds of foods, or any number of diseases. In many cases, you can reduce or eliminate bad breath by practicing good dental hygiene. It’s also a very good idea to consult with your dentist to determine the cause of your bad breath.
The dental team at Kois Dentistry handles many questions from patients about bad breath. In this post, our dental team discusses some of the common causes of halitosis and how to reduce bad breath.
Causes of Bad Breath
Food particles that are stuck in or between your teeth can promote bacterial growth that causes bad breath and other dental problems. Tobacco use can also cause bad breath, in addition to staining your teeth and bothering your gums.
Many cases of bad breath are caused by poor dental hygiene or dietary habits. However, bad breath can also be a symptom of some diseases, such as gum disease. You should consult your dentist if you are concerned about your bad breath and need help determining its cause.
How to Fight Bad Breath
You can reduce or eliminate many cases of bad breath by committing to the basics of good dental hygiene. You should be visiting your dentist at least twice a year, but most of the work must be done at home.
The following habits can help prevent bad breath, along with many other dental problems:
- Brush twice a day at a 45-degree angle to your gum
- Brush or scrape your tongue
- Floss regularly, at least once a day
- Note if there are certain foods that trigger bad breath and consider avoiding or reducing consumption of these foods
If you have dentures, you can also be susceptible to bad breath if you do not remove them regularly to clean them. Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding the proper care and cleaning of your dentures.
Follow these tips to prevent halitosis, and consult your dentist if you are having persistent issues with bad breath.
Discuss Bad Breath with Your Dentist
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your dentist about your issues with bad breath. The trusted dental team at Kois Dentistry can help identify both the cause of and solution to your bad breath problems. To schedule a one-on-one consultation, please call (206) 515-9500 today.