You’ve tried mouthwash, gum/mints…all seem futile. It’s because those are temporary solutions. You’ve even tried a tongue-scraper and brushing your tongue daily (a helpful first-line of defense since the most “bad-breath bacteria” live there), but the unpleasant odor remains...
We know its embarrassing, but you’re not alone.
If your breath is still offensive, it’s because you need to treat the underlying causes.
Here are a few reasons related to halitosis (chronic bad breath):
Diet
What you eat affects your breath - true! Onions. Curry. Garlic. Coffee. Tuna. They. Stink. So. Good. While the food you eat can cause unpleasant odors, it doesn’t mean you should avoid them. Breath odor is more complicated than that.
If you’re on a strict protein diet, the breakdown of proteins causes ketosis which cause a foul odor.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
Medications. Medical disorders. Smoking. Excessive alcohol and caffeine.
All can wreck havoc on your body and your breath and cause you to decrease your production in saliva. If you don’t make enough saliva, you’ll be faced with more dental problems.
Dental Problems
Pockets due to gum disease. Cavities.
Cozy homes for “bad breath”-bacteria. If you’re not brushing and flossing or seeing the dentist regularly, you are allowing your mouth to build up plaque, which oral bacteria reside to produce volatile sulfur compounds.
Like your body, the mouth needs regular ‘showers’ too via your dentist/dental hygienist.
Analogy: Not showering for months + spritz/gallons of perfume.
Don’t just cover up the stench, shower!
Eliminate the two (dental caries and gum disease) and you’re on track to fresher breath.
Medical Disorders
Sinus or lung infections. Bronchitis. Diabetes. Liver/kidney diseases. Acid Reflux.
All these illnesses/chronic conditions are associated with bad breath. If your mouth is healthy, that means your bad breath is a symptom of a more serious issue. It would be in your best interest to see your primary care physician.
Dentures
The same “bad breath”-bacteria that accumulate on your natural teeth will accumulate on your dentures too. If you wear removable dentures and leave them in while you sleep - you’re in for some bad news: the space between the denture and your gum tissue provides a cozy home for anaerobic bacteria, or even yeast infections. Thus, it is important to take them out at night in a denture cleansing solution.
If your not-so-fresh breath persists, feel free to reach out to us (707-552-4900 or request an appointment online) so that we can track down what the cause may be together! There may be underlying causes that you are unaware about. Friends don’t let friends have bad breath. We’ll develop a plan to minimize and control the odor. We can help you rule out any oral health problems, advise you on next steps or refer you to a medical provider.