Bad Breath: When It’s Not Normal

We’ve all been there, you’re in a jam-packed elevator and catch a whiff of an embarrassing odour coming from your mouth. It could be that this is easily solved by popping a mint, but maybe this bad breath has been lingering, and you want to know whether or not you should be concerned.

Today we want to highlight what could be causing you to suffer with bad breath as well as if you should seek a professional opinion regarding treatments. Regardless of the information shared below, if you’re anxious regarding any dental issue, always contact your dentist for an appointment.

Smoking:

As dental professionals, we do not recommend smoking. Smoking can cause many oral health issues. However, if you are a smoker, it is more likely that you would notice that you have bad breath. This could be from the smoke inhalation or it could be a larger problem like gum disease. We recommend you attend your regular check-ups to make sure there are no underlying oral issues.

Medical conditions:

Have you been having any issues regarding your ears, nose, or throat? If you are noticing that you have bad breath and have been to an Ear Mouth and Throat doctor for an alternative issue, you may be surprised to find that both of these issues could coincide. Tonsil stones, bad sinuses, infections, etc. can all be the cause of bad breath. If you are still experiencing bad breath after your medical condition has cleared up we recommend that you book an appointment with Bells Corners Family Dentistry for an assessment and a treatment plan.

Dry mouth

If you are newly experiencing bad breath and dry mouth, we strongly recommend that you consult a dental professional for an examination. The reason most people wake up with bad breath in the mornings is that they are prone to dry mouth during REM sleep. Saliva washes away particles that leave odours. If you are just noticing dry mouth, it is important to seek a professional opinion because dry mouth could be an underlying symptom of salivary gland issues or even some diseases.

Lack of oral care: 

When was the last time you had a cleaning? Can you remember? If not you could be overdue and this could be a reason you are experiencing bad breath. Plaque build-up can have the tendency to cause bad breath. If you have also been lacking in flossing or brushing, it also could be the root of the issue.

Now that you have some potential ideas as to why you have bad breath, it is time to discuss treatment options. First, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Our team at Bells Corners Family Dentistry makes it easy to book your appointment. You can even book it online. In the meantime, while you are waiting for your appointment date to approach, there are some ways that you can fight the battle of bad breath from home. Look for kinds of toothpaste and dental rinses that have antibacterial properties that will kill the bad bacteria build up in your mouth.

At Bells Corners Family Dentistry, we look forward to assisting you down the path to better oral health. Until we see you in our chair, make sure you brush and floss.