Does it seem like coworkers back away from you when you’re talking to them in the office? Have loved ones asked you what you’ve been eating recently? Do you brush your teeth and use mouthwash, only to find that it feels like nothing in your mouth changed? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, you might be suffering from halitosis, commonly known as bad breath. Although halitosis can be embarrassing, it doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture in your life. We see many individuals dealing with it in our clinics, and we know that the condition is prominent across Indiana. There are a couple of options for treatment, and one of the first steps in the process is figuring out the root of the problem. Here are a few things that might be causing your bad breath, as well as some suggestions for how to treat it.
Mornings
If your bad breath episodes are mostly limited to right after you wake up, your overnight routine might be to blame. Unfortunately, there’s nothing much you can do to prevent yourself from waking up with bad breath. Brushing before you hit the sack will help, but ultimately, it comes down to the fact that you produce less saliva as you sleep, and therefore bacteria is able to grow and expand at a quicker rate than it does when you are awake. The good news is that you can probably just hit the sink to brush and the smell will disappear.
Food
Take a few minutes to think about your diet. Do you consume a lot of onions, garlic, coffee, or other strong-scented foods and beverages? If so, those smells might be building up in your mouth and coming out in the form of bad breath. A quick fix is to clean your mouth with a brush and toothpaste after every meal or snack. If this doesn’t seem to help, consider cutting back on these stinky foods. If you don’t want to eliminate them entirely, you can always opt to skip them before big events or situations where small talk will be taking place.
Smoking
Despite the research indicating how bad smoking and other tobacco use can be for health, many individuals continue to smoke, whether they are addicted or enjoy the sensation for other reasons. Unfortunately, one of the major side effects of smoking is bad breath. Gum, mints, and sprays even have a tough time covering up smoky odor, so the best way to fight this smell is to quit smoking entirely.
Bigger Health Worries
Sometimes, halitosis could be a sign of a larger dental issue. For example, individuals experiencing even a small amount of tooth decay might find themselves tasting or smelling a strong odor from their mouth. Gum disease is also a common culprit and should not be taken lightly.
Bad breath can be a bummer, but it doesn’t have to linger. If you find yourself struggling with an odor you can’t control, don’t hesitate to reach out for our assistance.
