If you are not being diligent with your brushing and flossing routine, you may develop gum disease and experience symptoms such as bad breath, or halitosis. Bad breath may be the result of poor dental hygiene but can also be a sign of other health problems. You will need to work with Dr. J. Alexander Withers to determine whether you need gum disease treatment in Centreville, VA. Here is a closer look at some of the common causes of bad breath:
Food Choices
Bad breath may be a side effect of eating foods with strong odors, such as fish, cheese, onions, and garlic. You can brush and floss your teeth to mask these odors but the problem will not disappear until the food has passed through your body.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Many people do not realize that bacterial growth between the teeth and gums can cause bad breath. When you do not brush and floss regularly or properly, bacteria in the mouth could cause bad breath.
Lifestyle Habits
Your daily habits and lifestyle may be causing halitosis. If you use tobacco products regularly, you could have bad breath that persists for days and weeks on end. Keep in mind that tobacco products can also cause gum irritation and affect your taste buds.
Gum Disease
Bad breath is also one of the signs of periodontal disease. If you have excessive plaque and bacterial buildup around the teeth, toxins produced by bacteria in the mouth will irritate the gums and cause destruction of the bone tissue. If there is an active infection in your mouth, you may have halitosis.
Preventing Bad Breath
• Adopt good oral hygiene habits.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
• Have your teeth cleaned professionally.
• Refrain from using tobacco products.
• Stimulate saliva flow by chewing gum, drinking a lot of water, or by using saliva substitutes.
• Maintain a food log.
Other Causes
Other causes of halitosis include:
• Yeast infections of the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Poorly fitting dental appliances
• Chronic illnesses and diseases
We can discuss the different treatment options for halitosis in Centreville, VA during your consultation. If you have bad breath or think you may have gum disease, set up your appointment with Dr. Withers today!