DOES YOUR BREATH STINK? Do you know if your breath stinks? What causes it? What can be done about it? Here at our practice we often get questions about bad breath. Sometimes the questions come from a long-suffering friend or family member of somebody else with bad breath.

Besides A Dirty Retainer, There Are Lots Of Bad BreathCauses (often called halitosis)

Halitosis can be caused by a number of thingssome more serious than others. Here are the most common causes:

1. Things You Eat, Like Garlic And Onions

Foods like garlic and onions contain oils that transfer through your bloodstream into your lungs, causing odor to be emitted each time you exhale.

2. Things You Dont Eat, And A Dry Mouth

Dieting can trigger different chemical processes that can make you more susceptible to bad breath. Also, not eating slows down saliva production, decreasing your mouths ability to clean away bacterial build-up. Thats why morning breath is unpleasant. Also, certain prescription medications can cause dry mouth.

3. The Way You Feel

Sometimes a cold or sore throat can be the culprit with odors coming directly from the bacteria or mucus trapped in your mouth or sinus area. Typically, these problems wont go away until the symptoms causing them are gone.

4. Things That May Be More Serious

More serious causes include things like gum disease, kidney problems, diabetes, oral cancer, anorexia/bulimia and others. Thats why its so important to contact us, or your general dentist, about chronic bad breath problems that you just cant seem to solve.

Things You Can Do That Help

Remember, chronic or extreme bad breath is not normal. If you have any questions about causes, symptoms, or remedies talk with our team.

1. If you wear a retainer, or any other orthodontic appliance, clean it thoroughly.
2. WE KNOW its hard with braces, but practice good oral hygiene! You knowbrush and floss!
3. Gently brush your tongue.
4. Use an antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
5. Eat healthy, drink enough water, and dont smoke.
6. Occasionally suck on a sugarless mint.
7. Dont miss or postpone your appointments with us, or your checkups with your dentist.

A Little Fun With …a new sense of daintiness…

Contrary to the popular legend that Listerine coined the term halitosis, it actually dates back to the 1870s. However, Listerine made the term commonplace by using it in many of their ad campaigns. Halitosis combines the Latin halitus, meaning breath, with the Greek suffix osis used to describe a medical condition.

Thanks, As Always, For Being Our Valued Patient

We sincerely appreciate the trust you place in our orthodontic practice! And thanks for your kind referrals of friends, family members, and coworkers. Leave us a comment below or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!