What Causes Bad Breath And What Can You Do About It

Chronic bad breath can have a drastic effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Generally, patients who suffer from bad breath are too shy to speak which makes them less likely to interact with others. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception about bad breath. Many are under the impression that bad breath is caused by bad oral hygiene, but that is not always the case.

Learn more about the causes of bad breath and how a dentist Northridge CA can help patients by using different treatments here:

Types Different Types Of Bad Breath And Their Causes

Knowing what causes bad breath is the first step to treating the problem. However, before identifying the possible reason for the issue, the type of smells linked bad breath must be classified. These are the common smells of bad breath and the causes for the odor:

Cheesy smells indicate that the cause is from a nasal origin.

Fruity smells can be traced to uncontrolled diabetes.

Fishy smells might be caused by some type of kidney disease that results in increased levels of urea.

Acidic smells are most likely signs of cystic fibrosis or asthma.

A musty odor is a sign of liver cirrhosis.

Fecal smell can be due to a bowel obstruction.

These are just some of the common bad breath smells and the possible causes, all of which can be properly diagnosed by a medical professional.

Tongue: The Bad Breath Culprit

While the types of odors mentioned above are indicative of something more serious, the most common cause of bad breath is simple: the tongue. After eating and drinking there are food particles that get trapped inside the mouth and on the surface of the tongue which bacteria will feed on which causes bad breath in most people.

Bad Breath Treatment

This type of bad breath is very common and the most likely reason for the foul odor from your mouth, and thankfully it is not a serious medical condition. These are a few “cures” to help prevent chronic bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth:

Regular brushing and flossing should be done by everyone. This is the first line of defense against cavities and chronic bad breath. Brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride will help keep the mouth smelling fresh and free of bacteria. Flossing will dislodge all the food particles trapped between your teeth which means bacteria will have nothing to feed on.

Mouthwash is recommended for those who want to take the extra step, use mouthwash before brushing your teeth. This will help break down food particles and kill bad breath causing bacteria more effectively.

Regular visits with your dentist Northridge CA will help minimize chronic bad breath. During the visit, they will clean your teeth and scrape your tongue to ensure it is clean and not suitable for bacteria to live in.

Unless you have serious health issues and concerns, bad breath can be fully eliminated with the help of your dentist.