Pass The Mints! 5 Things That Could Be Causing Your Offensive Breath

13 January 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

Just as you lean in for a kiss or consider coming close to share a secret you see an odd look come over your partner and you know just what it means. Bad breath, professionally referred to as halitosis, does not happen without reason. There are five things that could be causing you to be breathing offensive air to the people you are closest to.

1. Your Diet - One of the easiest ways to stop halitosis in its tracks is to watch what you are putting in your mouth. Some foods will leave a pungent odor long after they have been chewed and swallowed, even after you have brushed and flossed. Foods high in naturally occurring oils, like garlic and onions, may not be easily brushed away.

2. Tooth Decay - The soft pulp that lies inside of the teeth is comparable to flesh and when it starts to decay, the resulting odor can be horrible. If you think you have a bad tooth causing people to stand a little further away when you speak, it is definitely time to visit a dentist.

3. Your Tonsils - If you still have your tonsils and they are too wide or readily inflamed, they can form small pits where food and plaque can build up. This decaying food is hard to eliminate, even with good oral hygiene, and can smell like you have spent the day eating blue cheese. If you suspect your tonsils are the culprit for your smelly breath, it is a good idea to visit a doctor or ask your dentist for advice.

4. Stomach or Intestinal Issues - If you have issues with digestion, the problem can show itself in your breath. Rising gases from your stomach and digestion track can smell pretty bad, especially when your body is not digesting food the way that it should.

5. Smoking - Smoking is known to raise the temperature in your mouth, which can cause problems with bad breath all alone. However, the smell that is related to smoking can hang around in your mouth for as long as eight hours after you snuff one out.

The next time you catch yourself reaching for breath spray, remember that there could be a hidden reason why you have bad breath in the first place. Talk to your dentist, like those at Olympia Dental and Implant Center, about the problem and do not be ashamed. Offensive breath is a normal thing that dentists have to deal with all the time in their profession.