Most people have no idea that their bad breath is causing others to turn away. The fact is, you cannot smell your own breath, and if you have chronic halitosis, the only ones who will tell you are close friends and family members.
Your dentist will tell you that chronic bad breath is a sign that something could be wrong with your teeth and gums, and unless you suffer from diabetes or other systemic diseases, your halitosis could be signaling gingivitis, or worse yet, periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath, and if you do not brush twice and floss once a day the food that you consume will remain in between your teeth eventually causing plaque and tartar. Remember, good oral hygiene also means regular dental checkups.
Bad breath could be caused by the food you eat. If you are partial to garlic and onions, keep in mind that they can stay in your system up to 72 hours after digestion being absorbed by your skin and lungs. Try avoiding spicy foods and skip the garlic for a while. If your breath is still suffering after cleaning up your diet, it could be time to make an appointment with your dentist.
If gum disease is not to blame, it could be your old fillings. Composite and silver amalgam fillings that are more than 10 years old, or fillings that are cracked or chipped could be harboring tooth decay underneath. Rotting teeth could be the cause of your chronic bad breath and if that is the case, it is time to see your dentist for a checkup.
Chewing tobacco and smoking can not only stain your teeth, but can also irritate your gums and cause bad breath. Try giving up smoking and if you need help see your doctor.
Other chronic halitosis issues could be caused by yeast infections in your mouth or dental appliances that have not been fitted properly.
Bad breath can be downright embarrassing and if you suspect that your halitosis is the reason that you sit home every night, make an appointment with your dentist who we be able to determine the true cause of your bad breath.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.