*medical term for bad breath*
Approximately 1 out of 5 people suffer from halitosis. Most of the time, the cause for bad breathe is preventable and much more simple than you’d think. Very rarely a person’s bad breath may require medical attention.
Causes:
Smoking- Smoking is a major cause of bad breath. It can cause multiple different oral infections and diseases. Not only your body, but your friends and family will thank you for quitting. When you’re ready to quit smoking contact your doctor! Don’t just take care of your oral health! Make your mental and physical health a priority too!
Dry Mouth- Saliva washes away excess foods and bacteria. If you suffer from dry mouth you are more likely to suffer from tooth decay and cavities. Specific medications, not drinking enough water, and breathing through your mouth are some major causes of dry mouth!
Lack of Floss– It is extremely important to floss your teeth! If you don’t, you are missing about 40% of your tooth surfaces! Small particles can get stuck in between your teeth and cause bad breath. It is very important to be consistent with your flossing routine, even if you have braces!
Tongue Bacteria- About 80-90 percent of bad breath is caused by bacterial growth on the tongue. If you are inconsistent with brushing and flossing your teeth you will leave behind plaque bacteria on your teeth and gums. It can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), and bad breath.
Treatments:
Raw fruits and veggies- In fact, an apple a day may keep the doctor away. Biting into an apple is a great way to freshen breathe before brushing and flossing.
Sugar-free gum- Gum can remove food particles by increasing saliva production. This can help prevent tooth decay and bad breath!
Water- Dry mouth leads to bad breathe very quickly! Try carrying a water bottle around throughout your day to stay hydrated and reduce bad breath.
