If you struggle with persistent bad breath, it may be the direct result of poor lifestyle or diet habits. Problems with bad breath can often be remedied with effective oral care habits, including daily brushing and flossing and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. However, some patients struggle with chronic bad breath, also called halitosis, which can be a sign of a more significant dental health issue that requires a professional diagnosis to treat.
If you have chronic bad breath, we encourage you to see the dentist to understand its source and receive proper treatment.
The main cause of bad breath issues is an ineffective daily oral hygiene routine that enables the natural bacteria in in the mouth to grow and produce sour odors that fill the mouth. We encourage you to maintain proper brushing and flossing habits, including taking time to brush your tongue every day, to reduce bad breath.
Bad breath can also result from underlying health issues such as chronic dry mouth, which occurs from have decreased saliva production. This can be caused by certain prescription medications, regular use of alcohol and tobacco products and being dehydrated. Tobacco use in particular results in bad breath when its tar and chemicals permeate the oral cavity and linger for a long time.
Halitosis can also be caused by some medical conditions, such as conditions of the kidney or liver or having diabetes. If a mildly sweet odor accompanies your bad breath, it could be a sign that you have a general health issue to blame.
Contact us today at 616-364-7039 if you need to speak with our dentist, Dr. Jacob Miller, about treatments for bad breath in Grand Rapids, Michigan.