No one enjoys being told their breath is bad. It can be embarrassing. But having bad breath on occasion is common. It can be caused by what you eat or drink, and it can quickly be remedied by brushing your teeth, swishing around mouthwash, or chewing gum. What you have to really be aware of, though, is consistent bad breath, because it may be caused by something else involving your oral health. Your Leawood, KS, dentist can help determine the underlying cause of it when you visit for your regular checkups and cleanings. In the meantime, let us look at some of the causes behind breath that is not pleasant.
Bacteria May Have Something To Do With It
We all know we have teeth in our mouth. Bacteria lives there, too. In fact, hundreds of them are in your mouth right now, and it is completely natural. Bacteria, though, like to feed on leftover food, which may get stuck between your teeth or rest in the crevices of your molars. When they eat this food, they release their own waste that smells bad. To help prevent this, it is important that you brush after every meal. If you have time to floss at that time, too, even better. The less food you give bacteria to nibble on, the better chance you will have for good breath.
Maybe Your Mouth Is Too Dry
When a mouth does not produce enough saliva, that is when someone gets dry mouth. Saliva is important because it helps wash away excess food and bacteria waste. You may experience it due to certain medications you are taking, or maybe there is something happening with your salivary gland that is causing it not to produce enough saliva. When you visit your Leawood, KS, dentist, we can examine your mouth to figure out why it is dry.
It May Be A Sign Of Gum Disease
Consistent bad breath is an indicator that you may be experiencing gum disease, specifically gingivitis, the first stage of it. Gums become inflamed because of plaque buildup. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque, and we remove it too with deep cleanings. You want to address gum disease early, though, because if left untreated, it may lead to tooth loss.
Good Ways To Fight Bad Breath
It is important to reiterate that brushing and flossing on a regular basis is a great way to achieve good breath. You can also use over-the-counter mouthwashes as temporary solutions. And for anyone experiencing dry mouth, we suggest adding foods to your diet that cause you to chew a lot, as they will help produce more saliva.
Schedule An Appointment With Us Today
Being aware of and taking care of your breath is part of practicing good oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
