It can be difficult to live with the issue of bad breath, especially if it is something you have tried to eliminate with little success. But knowing why you might have bad breath in the first place could be a great place to start when it comes to getting rid of the problem altogether. In this article, we will take you through how common it actually is to suffer with bad breath, together with why it could be happening to you. If you find that bad breath is a persistent issue that simply is not going away, then it is important that you get in touch with your dentist as they will be able to carry out a check up and then suggest the best course of action to rid you of the problem.
Is having bad breath common?
According to a study carried out by the Cleveland Clinic, that combined the research and findings from thirteen different medical journals, bad breath actually affects around 31.8% of the population. This equates to around one in four people across the globe who suffer with bad breath.
In short, yes, bad breath is a common issue that is shared by many. But the reasons as to why someone has bad breath could vary greatly. From smoking to certain medications, there are many different things that could determine whether or not someone develops bad breath, something we will get onto in a moment.
Why do I have bad breath?
As already touched upon, there are a great number of reasons as to why you could be experiencing issues with bad breath. But the good news is that bad breath can be easily treated, no matter the reason for having developed it. Unless you are suffering with a medical condition or are taking certain medications that could be causing the problem, the solutions are relatively straightforward. Again, you will need to contact your dentist for more in-depth, professional and expert advice regarding treatment. But for now, here are a few reasons as to why you might be suffering with bad breath:
1. It could be down to the food you’re eating
When you eat, food particles can become lodged in between gaps and crevices. They are then left to break down in those areas which can cause an odour. This is because the food that is broken down increases bacteria levels in the mouth and this is what can cause the unpleasant smell. After you have eaten, it’s important that you either brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with mouthwash or still water as a minimum.
You also need to ensure you’re brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Attending regular hygienist appointments can also keep staining and bacteria to a minimum, hence why this can also be an effective way of ridding you of your bad breath problem. You should also look to steer clear of food like garlic, onions and pungent spices.
2. Smoking can cause bad breath
Smoking can cause an unpleasant odour, especially those who chew tobacco. This is because smoking can cause other, slightly more serious dental issues, such as gum disease. Gum disease, in addition to everything else, can also cause bad breath to develop as it involves the presence of bacteria and plaque build-up. We will go into further detail about gum disease and how it causes bad breath below.
3. Bad breath is often a symptom of gum disease
Gum disease can cause the redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. In more severe cases, it can result in tooth loss. It is imperative that gum disease is treated effectively and as soon as possible so as to prevent further, more serious problems from arising. Gum disease is caused by the build up of plaque and bacteria which, as we have already discussed, is something that triggers bad breath issues.
You must see your dentist if you think you have gum disease so that the right periodontal treatment can be provided. The specialist and highly-qualified dentists here at Quorn Dental Practice and Implant Clinic is always pleased to treat patients who are struggling with gum disease, no matter how severe your case might be.
4. Your dental hygiene is poor
We have already discussed that the presence of food particles can cause bad breath. If your dental hygiene is poor, then this is something that is, most likely, causing your bad breath issues. You need to make sure that you are flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. In addition to that, you need to use mouthwash or brush your teeth in between each meal or, as a last resort, swill your mouth out with still water to dislodge any food that might be hiding in cracks and crevices.
5. You have a dry mouth
Saliva acts to cleanse the mouth, helping in much the same way as water would. If your mouth is dry, then the saliva can’t do its job of naturally removing food particles. Dry mouth is something that naturally occurs, especially whilst we sleep. This is why our breath is often unpleasant-smelling first thing in the morning.
Usually, things like smoking can have a knock-on effect that causes bad breath to be even more prominent. Smoking causes dry mouth as well as gum disease, so when all of those issues are combined, it is the perfect recipe for bad breath. Keep hydrated if you are conscious about how your breath smells.
6. Certain medications can give you bad breath
There are some medications that can cause bad breath, as a side effect. If you suspect that your medication could be playing a part in bad breath issues, then make yourself familiar with the side effects sheet or ask your doctor about how your medication could affect your everyday life.
You might not have the option to come off your medication nor will you have the chance to switch to an alternative in some cases. If this is the case, there are a few things you can do to reduce the unpleasant odour, including eating breath mints and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
Quorn Dental Practice and Implant Clinic have a wide range of different dental services available that can help to treat cases of bad breath. Whether you need specialist dental treatments, an emergency dental appointment or even cosmetic dental services, to name a few, you can rest assured that we’ll be on hand to help. For further information about the dental treatments in Loughborough we can offer, get in touch with a member of our professional team today – we are always happy to hear from you.
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