As your Gilbert dentist, it’s a good idea to discuss bad breath or halitosis.

What Causes Bad Breath

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People often laugh at bad breath. They think it is merely an example of someone who didn’t brush their teeth, however, it can be more than that. First off what is bad breath or halitosis?
According to the site Know Your Teeth:
“More than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene but can also be caused by retained food particles or gum disease.
Does bad breath come from other sources than the mouth?
Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath. An odor that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate postnasal drip. This is where mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odor.
Why is saliva so important in the fight against bad breath?
Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep the odor under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath. When you sleep, however, salivary glands slow down the production of saliva, allowing the bacteria to grow inside the mouth. To alleviate “morning mouth,” brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning mouth also is associated with hunger or fasting. Those who skip breakfast, beware, because the odor may reappear even if you’ve brushed your teeth.” [READ MORE]

Teeth Cleaning and What You Eat

Sometimes, bad breath can be caused simply by what you eat. Spicy foods, or foods containing a lot of onions or garlic can stay on your breath for a couple of days, particularly if the food is starchy like pasta. So having pasta with polenta is a good way to give yourself a case of bad breath unless you brush your teeth after you eat. Schedule teeth cleaning as well.
So take care of your mouth. Brush and floss daily, and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Gilbert.
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Gilbert Vista Dental Care
2451 East Baseline Road #210
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 503-5467
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