Dental Disease and the Bad Breath Connection

Bad breath also known as, "halitosis", is a very unpleasant occurrence that most of us would much rather avoid than have to deal with. Bad breath is an offensive odor that comes from the mouth of those who either eat strong foods, or those who practice poor dental hygiene. There is another way to get bad breath and that is by smoking or chewing tobacco products. Certain illnesses can also give bad breath odor such as those who have renal failure, kidney failure, or those who have lung disease or diabetes. Young kids can also have bad breath when they have a foreign object up the nose. Certain foods and drinks are more prone to creating the odors of bad breath than others such as coffee, onions and garlic.

Do you brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferable after eating starchy foods or sweets? Do you avoid eating onions, cabbage or garlic or other strong foods? If you love these strong odor-producing foods do you brush after eating? Do you smoke or drink alcohol? These are two habits that are not only unhealthy for you; they also put you at extreme risk for bad breath. Anytime you do any of the above things make sure you brush your teeth immediately afterwards for the required time and in the proper manner. If you are at all concerned about not knowing how to properly brush your teeth do not be ashamed to ask your dentist or dental hygienist they will be glad to take the time to show you how to properly brush your teeth. We all develop poor brushing habits as we age. It is easy to become sloppy in dental hygiene.

Did you know that certain medications could contribute to bad breath? Yes, it is true that certain medications such as antihistamines, inhaled anesthetics, injectible insulin, paraldehyde and triamterene are all medications that are commonly used and all can contribute to bad breath. If you take any of these medications speak with your dentist about ways to avoid bad breath.

Did you know that if you have certain diseases, that these diseases could contribute to you having bad breath? Diseases that can contribute to bad breath are acute renal failure, bronchitis, and any type of lung infection such as pneumonia, diabetes, lung abscess, pharyngitis, mouth infections, periodontal disease, sinus infection, and also hepatic encephalopathy.

Given the fact that certain foods we eat and certain diseases can contribute to bad breath still the number one cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. That my friend is in your control. You have total control over how well and how often you brush your teeth, you have control over what type of toothbrush you use and how you use your toothbrush. You also have control over the foods you eat and the drinks you consume and whether or not you chose to participate in drinking alcohol and smoke cigarettes or partake in other forms of tobacco usage. If you choose to use these products or consume these beverages and foods you also have in your control what you do immediately afterwards, do you brush your teeth? Do you floss? Do you brush your tongue? If you do not take good care of your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue and you get bad breath you have no one to blame but yourself.

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