No one wants to learn they have bad breath in Newcastle, but halitosis is a common problem. There are several reasons why you may have bad breath, outlined below.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Frequently, halitosis is due to poor oral hygiene. The reason for brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly is to remove plaque and food debris.
Failing to practice good daily oral care allows the bacteria in dental plaque to thrive on leftover food and multiply. These bacteria can produce noxious odours. At the same time, food trapped around your teeth can begin to rot, smelling very unpleasant.
Improving Your Oral Care Routine
If your oral hygiene has been a bit lax over the summer months, now is the time to get back on track. Book an appointment for a dental checkup and professional dental cleaning at West Bowmanville Family Dental.
We can assess the condition of your teeth and gums, provide professional teeth cleaning, and offer personalized advice on improving your brushing and flossing routine. This includes recommending suitable tools and toothpaste, as well as potentially an antibacterial mouthwash.
Our friendly dental team can also advise you on how frequently to see a dentist and hygienist in Courtice.
Dry Mouth
A good saliva flow is essential for oral health. Saliva is a protective fluid that helps wash away excess food and bacteria, keeping your oral tissues moist and neutralizing acids.
If you can’t produce enough saliva, it’s a condition called dry mouth or xerostomia in Clarington, and it can be very uncomfortable. A dry mouth allows harmful bacteria to thrive, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease in Courtice.
Xerostomia can be due to simple dehydration, but it can also be caused by taking certain medications, including those purchased over the counter and prescription medications.
How We Can Help You Deal with Dry Mouth
If you have dry mouth, it’s important to see us regularly for professional dental cleanings. Getting rid of the bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar will help protect your oral health. We can advise you on how to keep your mouth moist, such as providing a prescription for a saliva substitute, or you can purchase this over the counter. Other tips include chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva flow.
Bad Breath Isn’t Always Related to Oral Health
It is a great idea to see a dentist if you suffer from persistent bad breath. We can assess your dental health and, if necessary, provide a suitable treatment plan to remedy this problem. However, bad breath isn’t always related to dental health, and if we can’t find the cause and you have generally good dental health, we may recommend you see your GP.
Below are a couple of other reasons for bad breath.
Acid Reflux
Bad breath can sometimes originate from your digestive system, particularly if you have GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is a condition where strong stomach acids can flow upwards into your throat and mouth, causing bad breath.
If you have acid reflux, it’s worth seeing your GP for help and advice. They can advise you on how to control this condition or prescribe something to help.
Tonsil Stones
Small tonsil stones can form from bacteria, dead skin cells, food particles, and mucous that become trapped in the tonsils. Over time, these deposits harden and can cause bad breath and discomfort.
Sometimes these tonsil stones are visible as white or yellow spots at the back of your throat. Another symptom is feeling as if something is stuck in your throat or having a frequent sore throat.