No wonder there are so many toothpaste and gum commercials because having bad breath can be such an embarrassing feeling! Although gums and toothpastes are usually pretty good temporary solutions to bad breath, they don’t address the root of the problem.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga is here to help you find out why your breath smells.
Why Does My Breath Smell?
Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. The most frequent cause, though, is the foods that you consume. But why?
The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. More fragrant and acidic foods and drinks like garlic, onions and even coffee can increase these symptoms. After you digest these foods, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs and affect your breath. While food is one of the leading causes of bad breath, there are other common causes as well.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
- Using tobacco products
- Poor dental hygiene
- A lack of saliva or dry mouth
- Some types of medication
What Can I Do to Have Better Breath?
As you probably already know, maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to combat bad breath. Making sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least two or three times a week and using mouth rinses are some of the best ways to rid your mouth of bad bacteria.
If you maintain good oral hygiene but still have consistently bad breath, contact your doctor or seek medical attention as you might be suffering from an underlying oral or health disease.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
- Brush your teeth after you eat.
- Brush your tongue.
- Change/adjust your diet to avoid pungent foods.
- Change toothbrushes regularly.
Are you concerned that your bad breath might be an indication of something more? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga and we’ll help you get to the bottom of it.
