Why Does My Breath Smell?

Cosmetic & General Dentistry
April 17, 2024

Bad breath can be very annoying and at the same time embarrassing. Whether you admit or not, there are certain points in your life that your breath stinks. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is one of the most common complaints when it comes to dental health. This could be caused by a lot of factors and might lead you to consult a general dentist in Las Vegas. To help you out, here are some of them.

5 Common Causes of Bad Breath

Plaque on Your Teeth

Plaque is a bacterial film that naturally forms in your gums and teeth and can lead to the production of a lousy smell. Regularly visiting your dentist is important along with professional teeth cleaning for it keeps plaques at bay for a short time. You also should not skip your dental routine at home and opt for a toothpaste that has antibacterial components. Flossing and using a mouthwash after you brush your teeth can also be of great help to physically remove bacteria.

Garlic and Onions

Vegetables are good for your health, but those that are members of the Allium family such as garlic and onion contain high concentrations of stinky sulfur compounds. As you crush them in your mouth, you create allicin, a substance responsible for garlic’s strong aroma and the smell you associate with it. If you really love garlic and onions, go the extra mile in protecting your oral health. You can start by immediately brushing and flossing to get rid of any odiferous particles that could be stuck to your teeth.

Dry Mouth

Your saliva is the natural deterrent because it washes away bacteria. However, a lot of people suffer from dry mouth, causing bad breath. This could be due to medical prescriptions. There are many drugs that can cause your mouth to become parched and taking more of these medications makes the side effects even worse. Keeping yourself hydrated can be of great help to this issue, along with chewing sugar-free gums between meals.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles get stuck in your mouth. Apart from bad breath, poor oral hygiene can also lead to more complex dental issues that may need surgery. If you don’t want to spend more time in a dental chair for gum surgery or tooth extraction, you should make it a point to visit your dentist regularly. This also comes with making sure you clean your teeth every meal or as necessary.

You Haven’t Eaten All Day

Whether you do it on purpose or not, skipping your meals can do you no good. It is a surefire way to have bad breath. When you don’t eat, you don’t produce as much saliva to help wash away bacteria in your mouth. Make sure to eat your meals on time.

What Do I Do If My Breath Stinks?

Brush and Floss More Often

It is easy to improve your breath and keep your teeth healthy at the same time. You can start by brushing and flossing your teeth more often. Trapped food between the gaps on your teeth also contributes to your bad breath issue. However, no matter how concerned you are about your oral health, never overdo things. Brushing your teeth too hard can wear them down, making them prone to tooth decay.

Rinse Your Mouth

Apart from freshening your breath, a mouthwash adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. A fresh and minty taste feels good in your mouth. You just need to be careful in choosing your mouthwash and end up buying antibacterial ones. Rinse daily with a good mouthwash to keep bad breath away.

Scrape Your Tongue

The coating that normally forms on your tongue can be a good host to bacteria. If you want to get rid of them, you might want to gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Iff your toothbrush is too big to reach the back of your tongue, you might as well try a scraper. However, make sure to consult your dentist to get recommendations.

Check on Your Gum’s Health

Did you know that gum disease also contributes to your bad breath? The bacteria that gather at the base of your teeth create unpleasant odor. With this, it will be best to consult a dentist to see if you are prone to any gum issues and get the right treatment afterward.

Are You Looking for a Reliable General Dentist in Las Vegas?

Your dental health should always be on the list of your top priorities, and it includes looking for reputable dentists. But there’s no need to worry, Dee for Dentist Family and Cosmetic Dental Care, we take oral health to a different level. Our team of dental professionals aims to help you keep up with your dental health in the most comfortable ways possible. Should you want to know more about our services, please request an appointment here.

Request an Appointment Today

One phone call can help you get a brighter smile. The team at Dee for Dentist is here to answer all your questions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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