Having a cosmetic dentistry procedure can do wonders for improving your health, your smile, your quality of life, and your confidence level. However, it can be hard for others to appreciate your stunning new smile if your breath is bad. Having bad breath can not only negatively affect how others interact with you; it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Read on for some information about bad breath and what you can do about it.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath can be caused by bad oral health care habits. It can happen if you wear dentures but don’t clean them regularly, and it can happen if you don’t floss and brush your teeth regularly and plaque and bacteria have the chance to build up on your teeth and gums.
However, there are other causes of bad breath – for instance, it is often a side effect of some medications, which can cause xerostomia. Xerostomia is more commonly known as “dry mouth.” Dry mouth can cause bad breath because the mouth needs saliva to help keep the mouth clean and to get rid of any debris that might cause bad breath.
How can you prevent bad breath?
Taking care of your oral health is always a good tip! Brush and floss often, and make sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
To prevent bad breath, you can also try:
• Drinking lots of water throughout the day (which is a good idea anyway)
• Replacing your toothbrush regularly
• Avoiding alcohol, sugary foods, and coffee, which can dry out the mouth
However, if you constantly have bad breath and nothing seems to help, it may be a sign that something else is wrong. Bad breath can also be caused by an infection in the throat, acid reflux, or it may even be a sign of cancer.
It is hard to have a truly beautiful smile if you also have bad breath. For help keeping your teeth healthy and your smile amazing, you can count on Hampton Dental Associates in Milwaukee. Call (414) 464-9021 for an appointment today!
