Whether it be a pesky zit or blemish that appears on your face before an important event, an unrelenting headache that just won’t go away, or the ever-annoying cold or flu that hits you at the worst possible time, some things just flat out stink! Certainly, if one were to compile a list of the most unpleasant and undesirable pitfalls of daily life, the topics listed would be almost endless. However, one thing that’s sure to make such wanting to stop bad breath! Foul breath or halitosis as it’s formally known, is an offensive odor that emits from inside your mouth on a regular basis. While gum or breath mints can be used to remedy this, as with any chronic condition, the issue always persists. Obviously foul breath presents something of a social problem; however, it may also be indicative of certain underlying health issues as well. Therefore finding the root of bad breath and treating it might be more urgent then you realize. Read on … let’s stop bad breath!
Stop Bad Breath: The Causes of Bad Breath
Wanting to stop bad breath can certainly be a more serious issue than one might expect, many people are often quick to dismiss bad breath due to its seeming benign nature. While indeed some causes of bad breath are relatively harmless, it’s important to keep in mind that if the problem becomes persistent, there is likely something larger at play.
Proper Oral Hygiene:
While there are numerous reasons for bad breath, perhaps the primary culprit is improper or a lack of oral hygiene. While typically progressing at a slow rate, improper dental hygiene may likely result in periodontal or gum disease. Although this might not sound like a big deal, untreated gum disease can lead to a litany of additional health problems that can manifest numerous different ways, some of which could be potentially fatal!
Life Style & Dietary Habits:
Although it might seem rather obvious, a person’s life style and dietary habits can be a major factor in causing bad breath for multiple reasons. As food partials are broken down within your mouth, the level of bacteria within your mouth naturally increases and creates a foul odor. While this is certainly a natural process, if excess levels of bacteria are able to build up within the mouth, obviously the foulness of odor will increase exponentially, as will the frequency of the unpleasant smell. This may be caused by consuming increasing amounts of sweet or acidic foods, or by practicing poor or improper dental hygiene. Although seldom acknowledged, taking various types of medications can also have an influence on the occurrence of bad breath, as the combining and interaction of certain medications almost always has the potential of causing various unexpected and sometimes unpleasant side effects.
Internal Interactions or Pre-Existing Conditions:
Whether you’re aware of it or not, if you are suffering from certain medical issues or conditions, bad breath can occur because of this, and require you to take a closer look at the potential cause. One such condition that can be a sure-fire cause of chronic bad breath, and numerous other health issues is that of periodontal or gum disease.
Periodontal Disease or sometimes known as Periodontitis, or gum disease is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the teeth and surrounding tissue. Although there are multiple factors that may contribute to the onset of periodontal disease, the primary cause is the buildup of excess bacteria in your mouth due to dental plaque. While this may sound relatively benign at first, don’t be fooled! Gum disease can be a serious or even life-threatening condition that may result in a litany of additional health problems if left untreated.
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Stop Bad Breath: What can be done?
With numerous causes and factors at play, solving the issue of persistent foul breath might seem a bit daunting at first. Fortunately, however there are multiple solutions that can help stop bad breath, put an end to this embarrassing problem and allow you to return to a happy and stink-free life!
Focus on Proper Technique:
As mentioned previously, proper oral hygiene is paramount. Unfortunately, due to its routine and somewhat mundane nature, it can be easy to forget about the importance of this activity and become a bit sloppy. Take the time to give your oral hygiene routine a nice tune up. Perhaps try a different brushing technique or consider investing in some new hygiene materials, like an electric toothbrush.
Try Flossing or Using Mouthwash:
If dental floss and mouthwash are not part of your routine right now, consider adding them quickly. It’s no secret that both flossing and using mouthwash can play a vital role in freshening breath or improving overall oral health. A refresher course on flossing can checked off your list by scheduling a dental appointment. And stock up on supplies when you go to the grocery store.
Schedule A Dental Exam:
While the previous options are indeed good ideas to consider, scheduling an appointment to see Dr. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry is undoubtedly the smartest thing you can do. If bad breath is a continuous problem that won’t seem to go away, you may be suffering from addition issues such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or even some sort of internal infection. However, the best way to have the issue properly diagnosed and assessed, so you can stop bad breath is by a professionally trained dentist.
Related Article: Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?
Stop Bad Breath: We Can Help!
Rotten breath is truly one nasty problem to have, and here at Overland Park Dentistry, our job is to prevent and alleviate such problems. If you find yourself plagued by bad breath, don’t let this problem stink up your life! Come see Dr. Kimes and his amazing staff at Overland Park Dentistry and keep on smiling!
Related Article: Your Overland Park Dentist: Charles R. Kimes, DDS
Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dental needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
