Not everyone who brushes his teeth can confidently start a conversation with another without worrying about bad breath. Sometimes, even if you brush your teeth more than three times a day, you notice that your breath still does not smell as fresh as you’d like. So, what’s causing this?

Causes of Bad Breath

A lot of things affect oral health, and these also have an effect on the odor of a person’s breath. The following dental problems or hygiene issues can cause bad breath:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing at least three times a day and flossing once a day are recommended. These habits will keep your teeth and mouth clean. Even tiny bits of food stuck in between teeth should be removed because these can become breeding grounds for bacteria that can cause dental caries and bad breath. Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash also reduces the number of odor-causing microorganisms. Moreover, those with dentures, braces, or retainers should thoroughly clean their teeth because food debris can easily stick in minute gaps or spaces.

2. Diet or Food

Onions, cheese, and garlic are food items notoriously known to produce bad breath. After eating foods that can aggravate bad breath, be sure to brush your teeth. In case you’re at a restaurant and you’re far from your trusty toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water. It’s good to have a handy breath freshener too so that you can just spray whenever needed. Also, the odor produced by spices can stay with you for a while. Strong odors from garlic and onions, for instance, can even pervade your urine or stool especially if you’re in the habit of regularly eating dishes that contain a lot of these kinds of spices. The stench will disappear after your body has finished processing what you’ve eaten. So, go light on the kebabs if you’re on a hot date.

3. Low Carb Diet

If you’re on a diet, chances are that your carbohydrate stores are diminishing, which then encourages your body to burn fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. When your body breaks down fats, ketones are also produced. Sometimes, ketones are released through the mouth, and they can contribute to having an unpleasant breath. To counteract the effect of diets, opt for snacks that will provide your body with some carbohydrates. Have a banana or apple, for instance.

4. Dehydration

Bad breath is most noticeable when you wake up in the morning. One reason for this is that your mouth does not produce that much saliva when you sleep. This can cause your mouth to become dehydrated while the number of bacteria inside your mouth increases. Saliva can help rinse away microorganisms. Plus, it contains chemicals that neutralize mouth acids. Look into the cause of dehydration because this condition can also be brought about by certain types of medications or ailments.

5. Gum Disease

Common signs of gum disease include bleeding or swollen gums, as well as noticeable plaque formations. If you floss and you notice blood, then chances are that you have gingivitis. It’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible because gum disease will spread and get worse if not treated. In time, it will affect not only your gums, but also your teeth and jaw.

About Author : Claire Patel is a full-time freelance blogger who has done a lot of research about dental care. She has encountered problems like tooth misalignment, impacted molars, and dental caries. Her recommendation to those with oral health problems is visit a qualified dentist like http://www.burleydentist.com

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