Some dental problems may seem more serious than others, but all of them ought to be addressed so that you can feel confident about your overall health and wellness. Dr. Christy Savas understands this, which is why so many patients visit his practice in Worcester in order to undergo the latest in general, preventative, and restorative dentistry treatment.

One issue that may seem minor is bad breath (halitosis). As you're about to find out, some of the causes of bad breath can be quite serious, which is why the problem can't be written off as a mere annoyance.

Oral Bacteria and Bad Breath

Perhaps the most common cause of bad breath, oral bacteria refers to the bacteria that naturally occurs in a patient's mouth. It's the same bacteria that's responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When this bacteria feeds on food particles caught on or between the teeth, the bacteria produces awful odors.

Tobacco Products and Bad Breath

Tobacco products are another common cause of bad breath. Whether it's cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, your will have noticeably worse breath simply from using any of these. This is just another compelling reason to quit using these items or to never start using them in the first place.

Some Foods and Beverages to Watch Out For

You may have noticed that some foods and beverages leave your breath smelling worse than others. Some of the most common items that result in bad breath include:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Curries
• Tuna
• Alcohol
• Coffee

While there's nothing wrong with the above, just be wary about your breath after ingesting the listed items. Others may take notice.

Dry Mouth Can Make Your Bad Breath Worse

What many people don't realize is that bad breath can be made much worse when your mouth is dry. Without saliva, the old cells in the insides of the cheeks and the food particles in the mouth stay in place and fester, resulting in pungent odors.

Systemic Disorders and Bad Breath

A number of health problems can all lead to problems with your breath. This is particularly true of infections or disorders that affect the lungs, the throat, the sinuses, and the digestive tract.

If the above foods and dental issues aren't the obvious causes of your bad breath, be sure to meet with your general practitioner to get checked out and undergo the medical treatment you need.

Treating Bad Breath: Many Options to Consider

Treating bad breath can be accomplished in many ways. For one, sometimes it's just a matter of having your gum disease and tooth decay professionally treated. This will remove any excess bacteria from the mouth and keep your breath smelling normal. Deep cleanings may be recommended in order to remove plaque and tartar lodged at the gumline.

If the cause of your bad breath involves dry mouth, you can look into purchasing artificial saliva products at the store. When the dry mouth is caused by blockages in the salivary glands, having sour candies to suck on will usually help dislodge the blockage.

Preventing and Managing Bad Breath: Simple Solutions

Here are some of the best ways for you to prevent bad breath from happening:

• Brush your teeth after every meal
• Floss after every meal
• Use a tongue scraper to remove food particles on the tongue
• Stay hydrated throughout the day with clean water
• Use sugar-free gums and mints to mask bad odors

Learn More About Advanced Dental Care

For more information about treating bad breath and having a smile that's healthy, beautiful, and absolutely dazzling, be sure to contact our dental care center today. Dr. Savas looks forward to meeting with you in person and helping you have a healthy, beautiful smile that you can feel totally confident about.