Beating Horrible Halitosis
Posted on 2/7/2022 by Dr. Jae Seon Kim |
 Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be quite embarrassing, but there are ways you can combat it. Common garden-variety halitosis arises from the foods and drinks we consume. Food debris accumulates on the teeth, forming bacterial plaque. The best line of defense from bacterial plaque is brushing and flossing often.
Foods and Drinks That Cause Halitosis
Foods containing onions, garlic, and other strong flavorings are known to cause bad breath. Food particles may find their way into the bloodstream where they get to the lungs. Once there, expect to have bad breath every time you breathe out. You just have to wait until it is over. Other causes of bad breath are alcohol, smoking, low carb or high protein diets, coffee, and diets rich in sugar.
In addition to these causes, digestive issues such as acid reflux may also contribute to bad breath. You may also experience this condition if you have chronic dry mouth, also known as xerostomia because saliva sweeps away food debris naturally, helping keep the mouth clean.
Health Conditions Causing Bad Breath
Halitosis can be a warning sign of a serious health condition. This kind of bad breath arising from an underlying ailment can occur even when you brush, floss, and use mouthwash. If this is happening to you, ensure you see a doctor. You may be having a blood disorder or kidney and liver problems. Also, though not common, bad breath can indicate the growth of cancer.
Different kinds of medicines are linked to bad breath, normally because they tend to dry out the mouth. These medicines include antihistamines, amphetamines, sedatives, antidepressants, decongestants, and diuretics. Certain vitamin supplements, particularly in high doses may also be culprits for bad breath. If bad breath is occurring persistently, call us to schedule your appointment for checkups and cleanings. We will determine the cause and advice you accordingly on what to do. Sometimes, the bad breath may not be resolved by a dental cleaning.
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