Why Do I Have Smelly Breath?

We've all done it – blew our breath into a cupped hand and sniffed deeply to see if it smelled foul. At some point in their lives, even experts in general dentistry in Colorado Springs develop halitosis (frequently known as bad breath).Drinking coffee, eating foods rich in spices, and dry mouth can leave the mouth with an unpleasant flavor or odor. But if you're always chewing gum, popping mints, or gargling mouthwash to mask foul breath, it's time to stop relying on band-aid solutions and figure out what's causing your halitosis in the first place.

The 7 Causes of Bad Breath

Foods and Beverages

The food you eat, especially those with a lot of caffeine, can affect how your breath smells. Also, strong-flavored foods and beverages, such as onion, garlic, alcohol, and spices, leave an unpleasant odor in the mouth even after digestion. Chewing gum or brushing your teeth can help temporarily, but the risk won't go away until the food has passed through your system completely.

Plaque Formation

The most prevalent cause of foul breath is plaque development as a result of poor oral hygiene habits. After eating, brushing and flossing properly can help eliminate food particles from your mouth. Food particles get stuck on the teeth, gums, and tongue if you don't brush and floss, allowing germs to thrive and plaque to form. Bacteria and plaque accumulation produce a foul stench in your mouth that will not go away unless your teeth are thoroughly cleaned.

Infections of the Mouth

Mouth odor can be caused by oral illnesses such as thrush (commonly known as yeast infection), cavities, and gingivitis. Always remember that gingivitis can be detected by poor breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Dry Mouth

When your mouth lacks enough saliva to keep it moist, dry mouth develops. Saliva is the mouth's natural cleanser. It cleanses the teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums of food particles, debris, and dead cells.You've probably had foul breath from a dry mouth before. "Morning breath" occurs when the mouth dries up overnight. Inhaling through an open mouth or dehydration may cause a temporary dry mouth. However, prolonged dry mouth and foul breath could indicate a problem with the salivary glands. Many drugs cause dry mouth as a negative effect.

Inadequate Dental Appliance Maintenance

Failure to clean dental appliances such as mouthguards, retainers, and dentures collect food particles and germs on the surface, resulting in an unpleasant odor.

Tobacco Use

Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are tobacco-based goods that induce bad breath. Because smoking can impact your sense of taste and smell, many smokers are unaware that they have a mouth odor.

Untreated Medical Condition

Bad breath can also be caused by a variety of medical issues. Liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, reflux disease, sinus, or respiratory infection can all cause halitosis.

When Should You See a Professional in General Dentistry in Colorado Springs?

It's time to visit the dentist if you have persistent bad breath. At Esthetic Family Dentistry, we care for your oral health. Contact us for more information!