It always seems to happen at the worst time – right before you walk into a meeting, a date, or some other public event, you realize that your breath stinks. While every one of us occasionally experiences bad breath, there are many steps you can take to ensure fresh breath, at least most of the time. At Santa Teresa Smiles, we’ve compiled this guide to help you avoid many of the common causes of bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss daily and skip out on regular dental cleanings, you’re letting the bacteria in your mouth have a field day. As oral bacteria multiply, they can cause foul breath along with cavities and gum disease. However, there’s some good news: it’s never too late to make good oral hygiene a priority. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss every day to clean away oral bacteria and help freshen your breath. Additionally, visit Santa Teresa Smiles twice a year for a professional dental cleaning.
Dry Mouth
Saliva production is one of the keys to avoiding bad breath. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria and contains an enzyme that’s key for digestion. When your body does not produce enough saliva, dry mouth happens. Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, but it’s also one of the major culprits behind bad breath. You should try to get to the root cause of your dry mouth. It could be the side effect of a medication, a sign you have obstructive sleep apnea, or something else.
Gum Disease
When plaque builds up on your teeth, it can lead to the inflammation of your gums. Bad breath is generally a symptom of gum disease, along with red, swollen, or tender gums. If you notice these warning signs, schedule an appointment at our office immediately. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Preventive Dental Care in Santa Teresa, NM & El Paso, TX
If you have chronic bad breath, Santa Teresa Smiles will work with you to find out why. Then we can take steps to help you enjoy fresher breath. To ask our team any questions about the causes of bad breath or to schedule an appointment, call us today!
CONTACT US