Causes of Bad Breath
No one wants bad breath, and remedies abound, from special toothpastes and mouth rinses to gum and mints. Most of these products mask the odors, and some of them can even make the problem worse. While bad breath can produce anxiety and embarrassment, in most cases it can be easily resolved once the cause is discovered.
Common causes of bad breath
The prime cause of bad breath is the production of VSC’s (Volatile Sulphur Compounds) by certain bacteria. This needs to be treated with specific rinses designed to neutralize the VSC’s.
Dental hygiene often factors in quite heavily when it comes to bad breath. Food particles left behind after meals or snacks can attract and feed bacteria. Eventually, plaque develops, worsening bad breath and leading to other oral health problems, including decay or periodontal disease. It is important to brush after each meal and floss daily. Using a tongue scraper removes all traces of food particles from the textured surface of the tongue.
Food is a notorious cause of bad breath. Garlic, onions, and other pungent smelling foods and spices are among the worst offenders.
Dry mouth is another common cause of bad breath. Dry mouth is common in the elderly, may be a side effect of certain kinds of medication, and is the cause for the dreaded “morning breath” phenomenon. Drinking water frequently and chewing sugarless gum can reduce the unpleasant effects of dry mouth. Those with severe dry mouth can speak to our Westlake Village dentist about saliva substitutes that can help.
Finally, some health conditions can cause or worsen bad breath. Sinus infections, kidney or liver failure, diabetes, and gastroesophageal reflux disease may all cause bad breath. Smoking is also associated with bad breath.
If you suffer from bad breath, our Westlake Village cosmetic dentist can help you determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment or help you develop an improved oral hygiene regimen.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
Back to Blog
Common causes of bad breath
The prime cause of bad breath is the production of VSC’s (Volatile Sulphur Compounds) by certain bacteria. This needs to be treated with specific rinses designed to neutralize the VSC’s.
Dental hygiene often factors in quite heavily when it comes to bad breath. Food particles left behind after meals or snacks can attract and feed bacteria. Eventually, plaque develops, worsening bad breath and leading to other oral health problems, including decay or periodontal disease. It is important to brush after each meal and floss daily. Using a tongue scraper removes all traces of food particles from the textured surface of the tongue.
Food is a notorious cause of bad breath. Garlic, onions, and other pungent smelling foods and spices are among the worst offenders.
Dry mouth is another common cause of bad breath. Dry mouth is common in the elderly, may be a side effect of certain kinds of medication, and is the cause for the dreaded “morning breath” phenomenon. Drinking water frequently and chewing sugarless gum can reduce the unpleasant effects of dry mouth. Those with severe dry mouth can speak to our Westlake Village dentist about saliva substitutes that can help.
Finally, some health conditions can cause or worsen bad breath. Sinus infections, kidney or liver failure, diabetes, and gastroesophageal reflux disease may all cause bad breath. Smoking is also associated with bad breath.
If you suffer from bad breath, our Westlake Village cosmetic dentist can help you determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment or help you develop an improved oral hygiene regimen.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
Back to Blog