Bad Breath Causes & Oral Hygiene

Bad Breath Causes, Treatment & Oral Hygiene by Downsview / North York Dental Office

One of the most embarrassing things to happen to a person is having a foul odor coming out of their mouth when talking to another person.  Whether it be at work, meeting someone for the first time, going out on a date, or simply meeting a friend for coffee or a drink; it is very embarrassing when you notice that you had bad breath all along and are not sure if the other person noticed the same thing.

There are various causes of bad breath including having food stuck between your teeth, eating a lot of garlic or onions; smoking tobacco, respiratory infections, medications, acid reflex and even vomiting.  Poor oral hygiene is a leading cause of having bad breath.  Brushing and flossing teeth and oral tissues on a daily basis prevents food from collecting in your mouth and between your teeth which can cause bacteria to start building up and can give you breath an unpleasant odor.

As well, if you are taking different types of medications this can cause your saliva to dry up.  Saliva helps the mouth expel food particles that can cause bad breath.  Your dentist can prescribe artificial saliva or sugarless candy so that you can continue taking your medication without having to worry about having bad breath.

Make an appointment with your dentist if you’re concerned about bad breath so they can find the underlying cause of it.  Your dentist can suggest various bad breath treatments to fight off the effects of bad breath.

The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.