What Does It Mean if My Breath Is Always Bad?

Bad breath can be a big problem. Many people feel self-conscious knowing that their breath isn’t quite fresh, and for some, bad breath can even impact their personal relationships. Your dentist in Reseda, CA, can help. At Canby Dental, we provide dental care that fights problems that lead to bad breath and helps our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Why Is My Breath Bad?

Most people assume that bad breath happens because of poor toothbrushing habits. While it is true that poor oral hygiene habits can cause bad breath, this is not the only cause of this problem. Some other causes of bad breath include:

• Smoking. Smoking affects the way your breath smells and can also put you at high risk of problems that cause bad breath, like periodontal disease.
• Diet. Some foods just cause bad breath. Onions and garlic are two common foods that, once in the bloodstream, can cause a specific odor even hours after you’ve eaten.
• Cavities and infection. Cavities and infections in the teeth can lead to excessive bacteria in the mouth, which can be a source of bad breath.
• Dry mouth is a condition caused by smoking and certain medications. It often leads to bad breath because saliva helps keep the mouth clean and the breath smelling fresh.

What Can I Do About Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be a sign of problems that need attention from a dental professional, especially if you can’t get rid of it by brushing your teeth. If you brush your teeth regularly but still have bad breath, talk to your dentist. It’s especially important to speak to your dentist if your bad breath is accompanied by pain, bleeding, swelling, or a loose permanent tooth.

Suffering From Bad Breath? Call Today

At Canby Dental, we help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. We recommend that our patients make an appointment twice annually for a dental exam and cleaning in Reseda, CA.

Seeing the dentist twice per year can help you manage problems like plaque and tartar, which can lead to poor dental health and bad breath. Call today to make your next appointment with our skilled dental professionals.