What Causes Bad Breath?
Do you always find yourself reaching for a breath mint or keeping your distance from another person when you talk because you are concerned about the smell of your breath? Bad breath happens to us all from time to time. It is especially common after eating certain foods and drinking beverages such as coffee, which explains the term “coffee breath.” For many people, brushing and flossing their teeth or using a piece of sugar-free gum will help improve their breath. Unfortunately, if you struggle with frequent bad breath, your mouth may be giving you a warning that there is a problem with your oral health. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Bad Breath?
We already know that certain foods and beverages can lead to bad breath, but the problem is usually fixed with a mint, sugar-free gum, or brushing your teeth. What does it mean if you experience regular problems with bad breath? Bad breath can be caused by:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Each time you eat and drink, bacteria and food particles remain on and between your teeth and along the gumline. This is the reason we encourage patients to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth. When bacteria build up in your mouth, it can turn into plaque and contribute to bad breath. It is similar to the odor of decaying food when it is left out. Be sure you are brushing for two minutes twice a day and using dental floss daily.
Gum Disease
Although this common condition doesn’t have very many warning signs, one of the few is bad breath. If you experience regular problems with bad breath, be sure to inspect the gums for signs of redness and inflammation.
Tooth Decay
When there is decay in your mouth and it is not treated in a timely fashion, it can lead to problems with bad breath. Decay continues to worsen until you get it treated.
If you notice that you have frequent bad breath, we suggest calling our office located in New Braunfels, TX to schedule an appointment. If you have a problem with your oral health, we want to determine the issue and create a treatment plan as soon as possible. We look forward to helping restore your oral health.
