Picture this. You're at a social gathering, having a great time, when suddenly, you notice people discreetly stepping back when you speak. You might be dealing with a common issue—bad breath or halitosis. It's a condition that can be embarrassing and keep people from hanging out with you, and worse, you may not even realize you have it unless someone is brave enough to tell you.
How can you combat bad breath? We'll offer helpful tips and let you know when it could indicate a more significant problem. Read on!
Eliminating Bad Breath 101
Bad breath can be caused by several different things, such as:
- Certain foods — Strong foods like garlic or onions can cause
- Medications — Some medications cause dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath
- Tobacco use — Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products can cause halitosis that is hard to eliminate
- Dry mouth — This condition contributes to bad breath and tooth decay
- Tooth infection — Problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and infection can cause bad breath
A few tips for keeping bad breath under control are:
- A consistent home care routine of effective brushing and flossing
- Using an antibacterial mouth rinse
- Drinking plenty of water to hydrate your body and avoid dry mouth
- Using sugar-free gum or mints after meals that are heavy with garlic or onions
It's important to note that chronic halitosis, or bad breath that you can't eliminate, may be a sign of more problematic health concerns. Here's what you should know.
When You Should Contact Your Dentist for Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away is a tell-tale sign of the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. If you suffer from gingivitis, you may also notice that your gums are irritated, red, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth.
If you notice these signs or symptoms, contact your Knoxville, TN, dentist at (865) 693-7631 and schedule a teeth cleaning and exam. When we spot gingivitis early on, we can often help you manage or even reverse it.