Does your breath stink or has someone mentioned it to you? Bad breath or halitosis is not only embarrassing, but it might be an indicator that there is something else going on. If your breath always seems to stink and you can’t freshen it up, Dr. Appolon at Appolon Dental Group in Midtown Manhattan can help. Discover the common causes of bad breath and how to treat them.
Poor Dental Hygiene
One of the top causes of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth at least twice daily or floss regularly, it’s common for food particles to remain in your mouth and stuck in your teeth. The food particles then cause bad breath and form a thin sticky film known as plaque on your teeth. When you don’t brush the plaque away, it can irritate your gums and potentially form pockets filled with plaque between your gums and teeth. Once this happens, gum disease starts to form. Your tongue might also store bacteria which can cause stinky odors in your mouth. If you wear dentures or Invisalign aligners and you don’t clean them properly, they may harbor food particles and odor-causing bacteria.
To prevent bad breath, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also visit Dr. Appolon every 6 months for your dental exam and cleaning. This will prevent you from producing bad breath in the long-run.
Certain Foods
If you eat certain foods like garlic, onions, curry, or other spices, this might be the cause of your bad breath. Not only do the smells linger in your mouth, but they travel through your bloodstream which carries the odor to your lungs and then to your breath. Try eating blander foods if this is the culprit.
Infections in Your Mouth
If you have a wound in your mouth that becomes infected, this can cause your breath to stink. Treating the infection will resolve your bad breath.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
There are a number of other reasons why your breath might stink. Smoking or using tobacco products can cause bad breath and harm your dental health. If you suffer from dry mouth, this will also cause bad breath. Certain mouth, nose and throat conditions can also cause bad breath because they are all connected.
If you suffer from bad breath and you’re unsure of the cause, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Appolon at our Midtown Manhattan dental office for a consultation. Give us a call at (212) 557-8668 to schedule an appointment.
