Bad Breath, a Symptom of Larger Health Problems?

No one wants to be told they have bad breath. Even worse is when you have bad breath and don't know why.

The cause of bad breath can sometimes be difficult to identify. However, dental decay, gum disorders, poor oral hygiene, throat infection and inflammation can all contribute to this extremely unpleasant condition.

Although it can also be caused by certain stomach problems, as a general rule halitosis usually emanates from the mouth, so consultation with your North Hollywood dentist will help to identify and hopefully eliminate the problem.

Did you know that alcohol consumption can lead to bad breath? Alcohol tends to dry out the mouth which in turn reduces the formation of saliva. As alcohol can also cause some stomach problems, this may result in bad breath.

Periodontal disease occurs more frequently in people who smoke, so this can also be the cause of a bad breath problem. Smoking is just asking for bad breath, constantly bombarding the mouth and sinuses with smoke is guaranteeing abnormal and bad breath.

Indigestion, constipation, dieting can all be contributing factors to bad breath, so your lifestyle should come under scrutiny when trying to understand the cause of halitosis. Proper diet and exercise can lead to greater full-body health and ensure that the body's pH is balanced. Eating the right foods can help with your breath. Eliminate a lot of processed foods or high sugar foods and stay away from excessive high fructose corn syrup.

Did you know that the mint plant can naturally reduce bad breath? It's available at your local grocery store. Basil can also help prevent bad breath.

But whatever the reason for the problem, oral hygiene can help to reduce if not eliminate bad breath. Daily flossing will clean the areas between the teeth the toothbrush cannot reach. The act of flossing helps to remove particles of food which, if left, will eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but many people don’t realize how important it is to brush for at least two minutes morning and evening. This will help to thoroughly cleanse your teeth and keep them fresh.

Your North Hollywood dentist may recommend you brush your tongue to help get rid of bad breath. This can be carried out using an ordinary toothbrush or a special instrument which is specifically used for the purpose.
The back of the mouth harbors a lot of bacteria and germs so brushing the tongue from as far back as possible will help to eliminate them. Finish this process by thoroughly rinsing your mouth to get rid of any residue.

A healthy diet will almost certainly help to stop such problems as bad breath, and attending a dental clinic twice a year will ensure that any problems are seen quickly before they’re likely to take hold.
Bad breath can be an extremely embarrassing and upsetting issue for anyone. Socially it’s unacceptable and can cause a patient many problems within their working environment as well as causing them to feel less confident.

If oral hygiene is began from an early age it will almost certainly play a part in preventing gum diseases such as gingivitis, and the discipline will keep the body healthy. Bad breath need not become a serious problem if dental care is part of one’s daily hygiene routine.

Good luck and stay healthy!

Your North Hollywood dentist
Dr. Arthur W. Weiss
10553 Riverside Drive
Toluca Lake, CA 91602-2440
(818) 762-0694
www.arthurweissdds.com