Although halitosis, or bad breath, affects almost every person at some point, it is still an embarrassing problem. For some people, it is a serious health issue. There are several reasons why people experience halitosis.
For some, dry mouth is the root cause of bad breath. Sometimes, dry mouth, or Xerostemia, is a result of a medical condition or medication that reduces the production of saliva. Reduced saliva flow often causes bad breath because it’s needed to:
Another cause of bad breath is improper dental care. When food and bacteria remain on teeth for long periods of time, they turn to plaque. The bacteria can have a strong odor if not brushed away every morning and every night.
There are also foods that contribute to bad breath. When your body doesn’t completely digest certain foods, you may notice signs of halitosis. Foods like garlic and onions are often culprits.
To treat bad breath, it’s important to drink plenty of water to increase saliva production. Brushing your teeth twice a day will also keep bad breath at bay. Other ways to treat bad breath include:
Your dentist can let you know if there is a medical cause for your halitosis. For a free consultation with Dr. Braverman at New York City Cosmetic Dentistry Center, Call Us At 212-688-3838.
