Have you ever come across someone with a bad breath? Thinking to yourself, ‘would it be rude if I offered them a breath mint?’ Sometimes it is so bad that you may feel the need to buy them mouthwash and breath freshers as a gift. That may be a farewell gift, however. I doubt they would still want to be friends after that. Since that is not a good idea, it may be wiser to make sure that you never have bad breath, therefore that you don’t have to cause anyone else this stress. And if the problem persists, it is advisable to discuss the matter with your local Richmond dentist.
What is Bad Breath?
It is otherwise known as halitosis, and it is characterised by an unpleasant odour of the mouth. Its causes vary – there are the obvious ones, and then there are the not-so-obvious ones. Simple dental routine is essential for nice smelling breath. Teeth should be brushed and flossed every day. And when brushing, the tongue should be included in the process. This is important because bacteria sit on the tongue if it isn’t brushed which then causes bad breath.
Other Causes
The drier the mouth, the more it’s going to smell. The condition of dry mouth is otherwise known as xerostomia, causing many to suffer from bad breath. Saliva acts as a cleaner in the mouth – removing all particles that cause a bad odour. This also explains the dreaded morning breath. Because when you sleep your saliva glands almost stop working altogether, and your mouth is dry by the time morning comes. Medicines are also known for producing a dry mouth. Otherwise, they could also breakdown in your body – giving off chemicals that can be carried in the breath. So some medicines are responsible for bad breath.
What about your diet? Obviously food affects your breath. Foods such as onion, garlic and spices can be carried in your breath. Other than that however, a low carbohydrate diet can have a negative effect on your breath. Because these diets make the body burn fat as an energy source, ketones are produced. With a fruity, acidic smell, the end product is what’s known as “ketone breath”.
Tobacco, one of the biggest culprits when it comes to causes of bad breath, comes in more than one form. If you smoke cigarettes or chew Tabacco your breath is going to have a bad odour. There is no way around it. It is also going to affect your dental health – increasing the chances of oral cancer and gum disease.
As you can see, bad breath is caused by a multitude of factors. Knowing what causes it, however, can help you prevent it. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be around someone who suffers from halitosis. If you want to beat bad breath, make sure you make the necessary changes. The bad odour of your breath could be a warning sign for something more serious. Don’t take this too lightly; your dental health plays a huge role in your quality of life.