There are few dental problems as potentially alienating as bad breath. If you suffer from persistent bad breath—meaning bad breath that isn’t only associated with eating pungent foods such as garlic or onions—you know that it can keep you from striking up conversations with people or smiling widely. There are several potential causes of bad breath, and today our Elmhurst dentists will review some common—but often overlooked—habits that contribute to halitosis.
Bad breath isn’t just about which foods you eat, or how often you brush your teeth, it’s also about how your body is processing foods and producing saliva. If your mouth is frequently dry, you’ll probably notice that it’s somewhat difficult to keep your breath smelling nice.
Additionally, if you’re often skipping meals, you’ll decrease your saliva production, which can contribute to bad breath. We sometimes see patients begin to experience bad breath after they start a diet, because they are trying to eat less frequently. Saliva is necessary to breaking down bacteria and remineralizing teeth, so it’s better to practice healthy eating habits and eat regular meals rather than skip meals all together.
Another hidden cause of bad breath is stress. Patients who experience a sudden increase in stress may experience dry mouth, which, as we’ve learned today, often intensifies bad breath. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat regularly in order to increase saliva production, keep oral bacteria at bay, and diminish bad breath.
You overall wellbeing is directly connected to your dental health, so it’s important to take care of yourself as a whole in order to maintain a fresh, clean smile. Hopefully these tips will allow you to eliminate bad breath, but if you need a little extra help, give our Elmhurst dental office a call to schedule a consultation. We can help you regain your oral health and wellness!