Are You Concerned About Bad Breath?
Are you self-conscious about the smell of your breath? Are you someone who religiously carries mints or gum because you always want to have fresh breath? While it is very kind to want to have fresh breath when speaking closely with others, there are times when it is not possible, such as after a garlicky meal or a large cup of coffee. The problem arises when you experience frequent bad breath. This is a warning sign from your mouth that you may have a larger problem with your oral health. Continue reading to learn what your mouth is trying to tell you.
What Causes Bad Breath?
We have all experienced bad breath at some point, especially after eating certain foods. The issue is usually resolved after thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth. The problem presents itself when brushing and flossing doesn’t solve the problem. Bad breath is an indication you may be experiencing an issue with your oral health. You may have a problem such as:
Poor Oral Hygiene
After you eat, there is a certain amount of food that lingers in your mouth. It is typically found between the teeth and along the gumline. Similarly to food that is left out, food that remains in your mouth will eventually develop an odor. This is one of the reasons we encourage patients to thoroughly brush their teeth as well as use dental floss. It helps to remove lingering foods.
Untreated Tooth Decay
When we notice tooth decay has developed, we recommend treatment. If treatment is delayed or postponed, the decay in the mouth will continue to progress. Unfortunately, tooth decay can lead to the same result as food trapped in the mouth, it will cause an unpleasant odor. Treating problem areas in the mouth can help prevent these issues.
If you are located in the Terre Haute, IN area and are experiencing frequent bad breath, we encourage you to make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out any of the concerns we mentioned above. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health.
