Bad Breath?

If you have bad breath, you are not alone.  As a Media PA dentist, I treat many patients in our Delaware county dental office for this common problem.  Nearly 100 million people suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be embarrassing, and so offensive that people step away from the affected person as they speak. If you want to make a great impression, make sure your breath does not send a foul-smelling message.

What Causes My Bad Breath?

When your breath gives off an unpleasant odor, the bacteria in your mouth may be responsible.  The warm, moist conditions in your mouth are an ideal place for bacteria to multiply.  Bad breath often affects people who aren’t properly taking care of their oral health, or those with infections such as periodontal gum disease.  If you are properly brushing and flossing and still have bad breath, consider these causes: 

• Infections in the mouth — Periodontal (gum) disease
• Respiratory tract infections — Throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
• External agents — Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco
• Dry mouth, also called xerostomia—This can be caused by salivary gland problems, a number of medications or by “mouth breathing.”
• Systemic illnesses — Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and other illnesses.

Your MediaPADentist recommends some simple steps to avoid this problem and keep your breath fresh.

Properly taking care of your oral health is the key to preventing bad breath. Brushing and flossing will help reduce odor caused by decaying food particles and bacteria in your mouth. Brush and floss several times a day and after meals. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue to eliminate even more bacteria.

Mouthwash is great for freshening up your breath but it is doesn’t fix the source of the problem. Rinse with a non-alcohol containing mouthwash after brushing, especially after eating highly pungent foods like onions.

If you have tooth decay or gum disease, see your dentist or vist Dr. Bodak, your MediaPADentist.  Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by active infections; you cannot fix these problems on your own.

Keep your mouth hydrated.  Chewing sugarless gum is a great way to remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath and odor. Kicking the tobacco habit can sweeten your breath and brighten your smile.

Proper dental care is the key to eliminating bad breath.  Schedule your regular dental checkup with a professional cleaning today.

Wishing you a lifetime of sweet breath and beautiful, healthy smiles!

Your dental care is important to me.

Dr. L. Z. Bodak-G
Media PA Dentist