Imagine being told your breath is bad. Do you cover your mouth and run away embarrassed? Maybe you immediately reach for a piece of gum or peppermint. Or perhaps you’re one of those people who embrace it, letting the smell define who you are. Bad breath, though, is not something to be proud of. While sometimes it’s a temporary occurrence, consistent bad breath can be a sign of underlying issues related to your oral health. Regular checkups with your Lake Orion, MI, dentist can figure out what is causing the odor and help remedy the situation.
Bacteria’s Role In Breath
Your mouth isn’t just home to your teeth. It’s also where hundreds of bacteria live. This is a natural thing. However, these bacteria feed on any food you leave behind in your mouth or teeth. Once they eat this leftover food, they emit their own bad smelling waste. That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily. Fewer pieces of food give you a better chance at having good breath.
Why Is My Mouth So Dry?
Sometimes, your mouth may not produce enough saliva and you’ll experience having a dry mouth. Saliva, though, is needed to help wash out your mouth, ridding it of any excess food particles or bacteria waste. Certain medications may cause you to have a dry mouth, or there could be an issue with your salivary gland.
Gum Disease
Gum disease affects around 80 percent of adults. If you’re experiencing consistent bad breath, this could be one of the reasons why. The first stage is called gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove plaque, along with periodical dental exams and cleanings. Addressing gum disease at its earliest stages is recommended because if left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. That could lead to tooth loss.
These Solutions Are A Breath Of Fresh Air
The best thing you can do to help with your breath is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. This will help remove bacteria that are causing bad odors. You can also use over-the-counter mouthwashes that kill or neutralize bacteria. This is only a temporary solution, though. For those who experience dry mouth, add more healthy foods to your diet. Foods that cause you to chew a lot will help produce more saliva. If you wear dentures, make sure you take them out each night and clean them before wearing them again in the morning. And as always, visit us regularly so that we can detect any oral health issues early and provide proper treatment that keeps your smile bright and your breath fresh.
Make An Appointment Today
Clean teeth, clean gums, clean breath. They are all parts of good oral health that we can help you achieve. To schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.
