You may have the most beautiful smile in the world, thanks to Mother Nature or cosmetic dentistry. However, that gorgeous smile won’t mean much if you have bad breath. Read on for some information about bad breath, why people have it, and what you can do about it.
Causes of bad breath
In the worst case scenario, bad breath can be caused by acid reflux, an infection or other problem in the mouth or throat, or even cancer. However, it is most commonly caused by less serious issues. For instance, if you wear dentures but don’t clean them regularly, or if you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, plaque and bacteria collect and cause bad breath.
Some medications can also cause bad breath, and it can also be the result of a condition called “xerostomia,” or dry mouth. Saliva is needed to clean the mouth and get rid of bacteria and other debris that can cause odors – if you don’t have enough saliva this debris remains in your mouth and builds up.
Avoiding bad breath
Mints and gum can help with bad breath, but they only last for so long. To fight bad breath, take good care of your mouth – brush and floss often, and make sure you see your dentist for regular check-ups. Drink lots of water, and avoid coffee, alcohol, and foods with a lot of sugar, because all of these can dry out the saliva in your mouth.
If you have tried and tried and you just can’t seem to get rid of bad breath, you should see your dentist so that he or she can evaluate why you have bad breath and if there is an underlying issue.
Bad breath isn’t a popular topic, but it can affect how people interact with you and what they think of you. It can also be a sign that you have a health problem. If you have concerns about your smile or the health of your mouth, Dr. Samuel Jirik and his staff can help. They want you to have the beautiful, confident smile that you deserve! Contact the Cabot, Arkansas, office at 501-843-9561 to make an appointment today.
