Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

Do you sometimes stop yourself from speaking because of bad breath? Is chronic bad breath preventing you from participating in regular activities? Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common but embarrassing oral health problem. You may avoid social situations, smiling, or talking if you have bad breath. We help patients address dental concerns like bad breath in our Annapolis, MD office. Our team also welcomes patients with chronic health problems like halitosis.

Bad Breath in Annapolis, MD

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are multiple top causes of bad breath, including:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Morning breath occurs because we do not simulate saliva production during sleep. Our mouths can become dry at night, especially when snoring or breathing through the mouth. Odor-causing bacteria collect in the mouth over time. Brushing and flossing before bed and in the morning can help eliminate morning breath. 
  • Foods: Garlic, onions, and other foods can cause temporary bad breath. A good oral hygiene routine can reverse temporary halitosis. 
  • Dry Mouth: This dental problem occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is important because it helps wash away bacteria and food particles. Antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and heart medications can cause dry mouth. Please let us know if you have chronic dry mouth problems due to medication, and we can help.

How to Combat Bad Breath in Annapolis, MD

There are multiple things you can do to treat bad breath and improve your oral health:

Drink Enough Water

Prevent dry mouth by drinking water regularly. On average, men should drink 15 cups of water daily, and women should drink 11 cups per day. Like saliva, water helps wash away old or odor-causing food particles in the mouth.

Fluoridated water also benefits teeth by remineralizing and strengthening the enamel or outer layer of the tooth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect teeth against cavities, periodontitis, or gum disease. Drinking enough fluoridated water helps improve your overall health, strengthen teeth, and prevent bad breath.

Care For Your Smile

After eating, brush and floss to eliminate odor and remove food particles from between your teeth. Remember to brush your tongue, as bacteria can accumulate there too. Using a tongue scraper can also eliminate bacteria, but you must clean the scraper regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.

Many patients can forget to floss, but flossing is a great way to remove food particles from between teeth. Floss before you brush to get a deeper clean. Brush for two minutes twice a day, and floss at least once or twice a day.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

At routine dental visits, our hygienists provide thorough dental cleanings that remove food debris and bacterial buildup from the smile. These cleanings also kill odor-causing bacteria. Please let us know if you have a problem with chronic halitosis at your next dental visit, and we can give you personalized tips for fresher breath. 

Do you want to treat chronic oral health problems like bad breath? Call Dr. Vernon Sheen for dental care today at (443) 482-5202 or request your next dental appointment online.