Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a condition resulting from poor dental habits. It could be caused by the food you eat or other unhealthy habits. More importantly, bad breath could indicate a more serious health problem. If you have bad breath, it’s best to consult with a dentist at Splendid Dental Atascocita for expert advice.
How Do You Know if You Have Bad Breath?
The most obvious symptom of bad breath is, of course, the bad smell present. Besides that, your mouth may also have a bad taste. If this is due to trapped food particles, then a simple brushing and mouthwash may help. Or, it could be the cause of some underlying condition.
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
A few things can cause your breath to smell bad. Some of the most common causes of bad breath include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Strong tasting foods and beverages
- Dry mouth
- Smoking
- Mouth, sinus, or throat conditions
- Periodontal disease
- Other diseases like kidney or liver problems
If you have any of these issues and your breath is bad, it is time to improve your dental habits. Visit a dentist at Splendid Dental Atascocita as soon as possible and get treated. If an underlying disease is causing your bad breath, working on getting it treated is your best bet to get rid of your bad breath.
How to Identify Types of Bad Breath
You may also want to know what type of bad breath you have. Identifying the type is crucial to know its origin. Your dentist can determine the cause by the smell of your breath. Different smells of bad breath and the possible related health problem include:
- Fruity smell – Uncontrolled diabetes
- Cheesy smell – Nasal origin
- Acidic smell – Cystic fibrosis or asthma
- Sweet, musty smell – Liver cirrhosis
- Fishy smell – Kidney disease
- The smell of ammonia – Kidney problems
- Fecal smell – Bowel obstruction
With this information, you will have some idea of what might be causing your bad breath. It is still recommended, however, that you meet with one of the excellent dentists at Splendid Dental Atascocita.
How to Treat Bad Breath at Home
Treatment of bad breath depends on the type of bad breath you experience. However, that does not mean you cannot do anything to improve your dental health at home. Below are some of the simple treatments you can do to prevent or treat the causes of bad breath:
1. Maintain an Effective Dental Hygiene Routine
You probably have bad breath because of excess bacteria in your mouth. Or, it could be food particles left between your teeth. In these cases, having good oral hygiene is a likely solution. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Mouth wash can also help remove any unwanted bacteria causing your bad breath.
2. Freshen Your Breath with Natural Remedies
Treat your bad breath from the inside using natural remedies. Some of the natural products thought to alleviate bad breath include tea tree, peppermint, clove, sage, fennel, and myrrh. You can drink them in tea to fight excess bacteria.
You can mix lemon juice and apple cider vinegar as well to make a home-made rinse. If you have a vitamin deficiency that causes halitosis, take vitamins, probiotics, or a zinc supplement. You may also buy rinses and breath mints to keep your breath smelling fresh.
3. Stay Hydrated
Another possible cause of your bad breath is dehydration. You may need to increase your mouth’s production of saliva. So make sure you always drink plenty of water. It will rinse your mouth all day and effectively keep away your bad breath.
Consult with the Experts at Splendid Dental Atascocita
Of course, the most effective way to learn the causes of bad breath is by going to a dental specialist. Know your options and contact Splendid Dental Atascocita today by either calling 713-244-7790 or completing our convenient online form to book your next appointment.