Bad breath is breath that has an unpleasant odor. It's also known as halitosis. This odor can strike from time to time, or it can be long-lasting, mostly caused by poor Oral Hygiene wich is main cause of other dental problems such as cavities and gum disease (gingivitis) 

Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. In many people, they are the primary causes of bad breath. The mouth's warm, moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Some types of bad breath are considered to be fairly normal. They usually are not health concerns. One example is "morning mouth." This occurs because of changes in your mouth while you sleep. During the day, saliva washes away decaying food and odors. The body makes less saliva at night. Your mouth becomes dry, and dead cells stick to your tongue and to the inside of your cheeks. When bacteria use these cells for food, they produce a foul odor.

In addition, bad breath can be caused by the following:

  • Poor dental hygiene — Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing, which allows bits of food to decay inside the mouth
  • Infections in the mouth — Periodontal (gum) disease
  • Respiratory tract infections — Throat, sinus or lung infections
  • External agents — Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia) — Caused by salivary gland problems, medicines or "mouth breathing"
  • Systemic (bodywide) illnesses — Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
  • Psychiatric illness — Some people may believe they have bad breath, but others do not notice it. This is referred to as "pseudohalitosis"

Bad breath mostly caused by dental problems can be prevented easily with proper home and professional care. This means:

  • Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals
  • Flossing daily
  • Rinsing with a mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)
  • Visiting the dentist regularly (at least twice a year) for an exam and tooth cleaning
  • You also can combat bad breath by drinking plenty of water every day to help your body make saliva
  • An occasional swish of the mouth with water can loosen bits of food

Other products can help you keep breath fresh and prevent plaque from forming. They include:

  • Sugar-free gum
  • Sugarless breath mints
  • Raw carrots
  • Celery

Call for your appointment for your consultation on halitosis and treatment  (909) 945-2002

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