Everyone suffers from bad breath now and then. If you suspect your breath is foul, you could try brushing your teeth or taking a breath mint. If your bad breath persists, it could be a symptom of an oral condition, such as one of these:
– Poor dental hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss daily, food is lingering in your mouth and creating bacteria. When you brush your teeth, be sure to give your tongue and the roof of your mouth a good scrubbing to remove all food residue.
– Tobacco products: Smoking affects your mouth as much as your lungs. The smoke can linger on your breath, making it stale and unpleasant. Smoking can also lead to health issues like gum disease, another cause of bad breath.
– Gum disease: Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by accumulated bacteria on the soft gum tissue. Bacteria can create a strong odor in your mouth.
– Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth can’t produce adequate amounts of saliva. Your saliva acts as a rinsing agent to your teeth, periodically removing odor-causing bacteria. Certain medications can contribute to the development of dry mouth.
– Acid reflux: Chronic reflux of stomach acid can coat your tongue and leave your breath smelling foul, as well as creating a bad taste in your mouth.
Occasional bad breath is not a health concern, but if your breath remains pungent even after brushing your teeth, you should consult Dr. Ronald A. Williams. Our office at The Art of Dentistry can be reached at 810.653.3503.