Bad Breath: Causes & Remedies

If you just need to deal with fresh breath after eating that is one level. If you notice that dragon breath is exiting your mouth you have to deal with halitosis which comes from bacteria in the mouth. Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem which often comes from the activity of bacteria in the mouth. Most adults experience bad breath infrequently while some experience it as an every day part of life. There are other causes of bad breath besides the typical bacteria that can be scrubbed off of the tongue daily and rinsed with mouth wash.

Who can Help:

Your Dentist can help. Visiting your dentist every three month for cleanings as well as brushing and flossing will transform most people's breath in a short period of time. A more serious problem can occur if you do not visit the dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning. That is gum disease. Even gum disease can be treated and teeth can be saved if they catch it early enough. So be aware that bad breath may be an early warning or indication of a problem. Bad breath can also be a warning of other problems so contact your dentist office so that you can have them smell what you dread anyone else knowing about.

What to expect:

Prepare your dentist. Let them know what the problem is when you make the appointment. Do not try to conceal the problem by covering it with your usual remedies. The dentist needs to smell your breath that is exiting in your mouth and the breath that is exiting your nose to help determine the problem.

Some of the possible causes:

Dryness of the mouth caused by insufficient saliva; gum problems or improper cleaning of the gums; and postnasal drip in the back of the throat. Other causes could be swelling gums; infected tonsils and a throat infection. A foreign object lodged in the nasal passage; poor hygiene; bacteria resting on tongue throughout the day and dentures not cleaned properly or kept in at night. The causes should be addressed. Do not just try to hide the problem with gum, mints and perfume. You should seek professional help and get the problem dealt with. Imagine the joy of not being concerned about offending others with your breath.