In part one of this two-part blog series, we took a look at some of the chronic or medical conditions that may lead to bad breath in some people. Bad breath will sometimes be due to chronic or long-term issues like these, while in other cases it will be more of a temporary concern based on individual behaviors and oral care.
At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we're here to offer a wide range of general dentistry, pediatric dentistry and other services to meet all the needs of our Layton patients, and bad breath is a common issue we assist clients with regularly. Today's part two of our series will shift gears and look at the kinds of things that may cause temporary bad breath, and which can typically be reversed or avoided with the right basic approaches.
In some cases, if you consume lots of certain kinds of foods or drinks, you may find that your breath is affected. Coffee and other drinks with caffeine are one example; if you consume these in large amounts, you may develop a temporary odor until it passes through your system. Similarly, garlic and onion-based dishes can cause a similar effect.
In these cases, if you've noticed your bad breath and think it might be due to what you've eaten, cutting back on those foods or drinks may help reduce the smell.
Another behavior-based factor that can lead to bad breath is smoking, in both cigarettes and cigars. Smoking itself has been linked to a range of health issues, but in terms of bad breath it's often due to the residue that can be left behind in your mouth after smoking.
Smoking is bad for not only your oral health, but also for your overall health, so the best way to get rid of bad breath due to this is simply by avoiding smoking altogether.
Finally, one of the most common causes of bad breath is a lack of proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice per day – as recommended by dental professionals – can go a long way towards reducing bad breath. If you don't brush and floss regularly, food particles will remain in your mouth and create a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
If this is the cause of your bad breath, increasing your oral hygiene routine can help remove the bacteria and get rid of the smell as well.
At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we understand how important it is to have a healthy smile and good breath. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals can work with you to diagnose the cause of your bad breath and recommend the appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes. If you're looking for help with bad breath or any other dental issue, please don't hesitate to contact us today!
