Your Dentist in Cape May County Says This Can Cause Bad Breath

Have you been noticing that despite your best efforts, your breath seems to be unpleasant? If so, it could be a sign of serious things going on with your oral health and overall wellness. The first step to correcting the problem is to identify the cause and your dentist in Cape May County will do that as you read along. Additionally, you’ll learn how you can be restored to normal.

WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH?

The main cause of bad breath is bacteria accumulation, which we’ll discuss ways to address later. First, the process should start by making sure there aren’t any serious problems going on, which could include the following:

• Sinus Infection – Poor nasal drainage and sense of smell can be signs of a sinus infection. If you have one, it can cause an offensive odor. This is due to fluid being trapped in the sinuses and the collection of bacteria that results. Doctors will usually prescribe an antibiotic to wipe out the infection.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A condition that affects the digestion of your food, GERD is a form of frequent acid reflux that involves stomach juices backing up into the food pipe. Along with medical care, diet changes and exercise can help to reverse this problem.
• Abscessed Tooth – An abscessed tooth is one that is infected and showing signs of advanced decay, which can cause severe pain and maybe some discoloration. The outgrowth of bacteria can also cause bad breath. This is a serious matter that needs to be treated immediately by your dentist.
• Bowel Obstruction – This is another problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re having issues with blockages of your bowels, it does more than just contribute to bad breath; it can also be life-threatening. If you suspect you have this problem, contact your doctor immediately.

WAYS TO GET RID OF BAD BREATH

If the above aren’t the causes of your bad breath, then you should consider your oral hygiene. Sometimes, bad breath is just a reflection of either inconsistent or poor cleaning. The remedy is to brush and floss at least two times a day to remove harmful bacteria and leftover food debris.

Here are some other things you can do:

• Rinse – You can use a mouthwash to help flush away excess bacteria and debris.
• Tongue Scraping – On your tongue are tiny bumps called papillae that food and bacteria can get trapped between. Using a tongue scraper to gently glide across your tongue helps to probe and clean those hidden areas.
• Avoid Certain Foods – Edibles like onions and garlic are known for leaving a trail of sour breath; therefore, just avoid them to prevent their effects.

No one wants to walk around with offensive breath, so the above information can help you get to the core of the problem to get the relief you need. To receive the expert care that will ensure that your breath remains fresh and your teeth healthy, reach out to your local dentist to schedule an appointment today.

About the Author

Dr. Scott J. Maslow earned his dental degree from Temple Dental School. Throughout his career, he’s remained steadfast in his efforts to continue to grow, which is why he’s amassed over 1,000 hours of continuing education. Additionally, Dr. Maslow has earned the distinction as Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry. He helps patients maintain fresh breath at Diamond Beach Dental and can be reached for more information through his website.