Four common causes of bad breath

One common oral health problem that many Americans struggle with is bad breath. Just how common is it? Colgate reports that one in four people have bad breath, which is about 50 percent of adults. 

Although it is very common for people, bad breath may cause embarrassment and result in them developing dental anxiety. That is why our team wants to share some causes of bad breath and how oral conscious sedation online courses help dentists get more people to visit them.

What is bad breath?

In dentistry, bad breath is called halitosis. This dental problem causes chronic bad breath that does not disappear after the use of brushing or mouthwash. Experts believe an internal problem, such as poor oral health and disease, causes halitosis.

Common bad breath causes

Food and drinks

It is no secret that what you eat and drink affects your breath. Sometimes food can get stuck between your teeth, causing you bad breath. Other times, certain foods could produce bad breath as they are being digested. Some foods known to cause bad breath include garlic, onions, dairy, canned tuna and horseradish.

Gum disease

People with poor dental habits are at the risk of developing gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Not brushing or flossing properly every day causes plaque to build up that may irritate your gums. It could cause gum disease to form. One common indicator of gum disease is bad breath. 

Dry mouth

Dry mouth is a condition that causes the mouth not to produce enough saliva. The mouth needs saliva to cleanse and digest food. Bad breath is one common symptom of this condition. Saliva helps remove particles that cause bad odors. Problems with the salivary glands and other diseases cause dry mouth.

Systemic diseases

Aside from oral health problems, bad breath could be an indicator of systemic disease. These kinds of diseases are diabetes, liver, kidney, lung, GI disorders and sinus diseases. How this occurs is that when your gums become inflamed, bacteria and inflammatory mediators enter your gum tissue and travel around the body.

How to prevent bad breath

Bad breath is an oral health problem that should not be ignored. If left untreated, it may result in serious oral and health problems down the road. Let your dental patients know that there are certain steps they can take in their everyday life to prevent developing bad breath. Here is a list of ways to prevent bad breath.

• Brush and floss at least twice a day

• Brush the tongue 

• Remove dentures at night and clean them thoroughly 

• Stop smoking

• Drink lots of water 

• Reduce your consumption of red meats

• See a dentist regularly

Although seeing a dentist helps prevent bad breath, some people avoid going to the dentist due to embarrassment or anxiety. This fear could be caused by their bad breath or poor oral health. You can assist your anxious dental patients by helping them feel comfortable and providing oral conscious sedation. This kind of sedation helps patients feel relaxed during their procedures. 

Looking for oral conscious sedation online courses?

Check out Midwest Sedation Consultants! We provide oral conscious sedation online courses in eight states including Nebraska, Kansas, Oregon, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Register for a course here today!