When you wake up in the mornings, chances are that your breath isn’t at its best. Typically, a healthy breakfast and a few minutes at the sink brushing your teeth can fix it. For some people, though, even a good morning hygiene routine can’t get rid of their bad breath, which often means that there’s something more sinister than just morning breath in the works. If your bad breath won’t go away, then you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to find out why. Some of the most common causes of bad breath are also causes or indications of more serious issues, like cavities and gum disease, which could lead to serious oral health complications if not addressed.
The Common Reasons for Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common symptom for many different dental health issues, and before your dentist can treat it, he will have to first find out its cause. One of the most frequent reasons for chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is poor hygiene. Oral bacteria constantly gather in your mouth, and many of them metabolize nutrients into foul-smelling gases (including sulfur compounds).
When oral bacteria are allowed to gather in force, the gases they release can be overwhelming. They’ll also remain until you rid your mouth of the excessive microbes with better hygiene and preventive dental care. However, other reasons can include the presence of a decaying tooth or the progression of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease).
How to Freshen Your Breath Permanently
The only way to know what’s causing your chronic bad breath is for your dentist to perform a thorough dental examination. You and your dentist can then work on an appropriate treatment plan to eliminate your bad breath and restore your good dental health.
Bad breath is embarrassing, but if you ignore it, it might become more than just a nuisance and an actual threat to your oral health. To learn more, or to find lasting relief from bad breath, schedule an appointment by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, today at (724) 285-4153.