Bad Breath: A Common, But Treatable Problem
Bad breath is so common, yet so ignored. According to American Dental Association, more than 50 percent of the population suffers from bad breath at some point. As for why this problem exists, research shows that bad breath can be caused by various factors such as poor hygiene, smoking, alcohol abuse, or even medications you might be taking.
Alongside heart rate and blood pressure, breath is one of the few things that can affect our moods and emotions without us realizing it. That is why it is important to seek bad breath treatment near you.
What Causes Bad Breath or Halitosis?
The causes of bad breath are many, and it varies from person to person. Some common causes are poor oral hygiene, eating foods with high sulfur content, smoking, or drinking alcohol.
Some more serious causes of bad breath, such as gum disease or diabetes can lead to other health issues if not taken care of properly.
What Is the Difference Between Regular and Bad Breath?
People often tend to have a general idea of what constitutes bad breath, but they don’t understand what it means. It is crucial to know the cause before seeking out a bad breath treatment in Houston.
Bad breath is described as having a foul, fishy, or flat smell, and it is also a symptom of other conditions like halitosis.
Regular mouth odor usually has a smell that is not foul or fishy but rather fresh and fruity.
Why do We Have a Bad Breath in the Morning?
Most of us wake up with an awful morning breath that can linger until we brush our teeth. This can be caused by many different factors, such as eating certain foods and drinking coffee.
Morning breath can also be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Morning breath tends to clear after you clean your teeth, but if it persists, then you may want to consider halitosis treatment in Houston, TX.
Brushing your teeth before bedtime can eliminate bacteria and acids in the mouths. But, this only leads to temporary relief of bad breath. The most effective way to fight off morning bad breath is through a good night’s sleep and healthy food choices before bedtime.
Why You Should Take Bad Breath Seriously
Bad breath can affect your quality of life and productivity. Other reasons to take it seriously include:
- Bad breath could be a sign of infection and other diseases
- It is embarrassing to have bad breath, and it can change your mood for the worse.
- Bad breath is often an indication of poor hygiene
What Are the Treatment Options for Bad Breath?
There are two common approaches for bad breath treatment in Houston, TX: preventative care and medical intervention.
Preventative care includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy food. It is also important to floss to remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and gum line. People with bad breath who use tobacco should stop smoking if they want to get rid of their bad breath for good.
You should also avoid consuming soft drinks that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners as these foods can produce certain chemicals in the body that cause bad breath when they break down in the stomach.
A medical intervention involves treatment of the underlying cause like gum disease. The dentist may also recommend artificial saliva preparation if you suffer from chronic dry mouth.
How to Stop Bad Breath from Developing and Avoiding Complications
Bad breath can be a nuisance, especially when it gets to the point where it becomes difficult to speak. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can stop bad breath and avoid complications. Drink more water, brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that has fluoride, and rinse well afterward. Eat more fruits and vegetables like celery, cucumbers, green peppers, parsley.
Apart from that, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for professional teeth cleaning to get rid of plaque buildup.
Schedule an Appointment
Bad breath or halitosis is curable and preventable too. Visit Greater Houston Dental Arts for more information about bad breath and how you can prevent it.