Halitosis will be experienced by more than 50% of adults at some time in their life. Bad breath may just be a common part of daily life, but what causes it could be an indicator of a more complex oral health concern. General dentist Dr. Natasha Radosovljevic recommends visiting or Clearwater, FL dentist office if you experience chronic bad breath.
Causes of Halitosis
- Food: Food is a benign cause of bad breath. If you have recently eaten garlic, onions, or other pungent foods, it is normal to experience unpleasant breath. Try chewing a piece of sugar free ADA approved gum or brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating. If your breath returns to normal after a few hours of eating, you most likely have nothing to be concerned about. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss to keep tartar and plaque from developing into tooth decay.
- Smoking and Tobacco: Smokers and tobacco users may experience consistent bad breath. The smell could be from the tobacco product. However, smokers have a much higher risk of developing gum disease, oral cancer, or tooth decay. If you have habitually bad breath, even after brushing and before smoking, you may be experiencing signs of a more serious oral health concern. A persistent bad smell is often associated with the development of tooth decay, or gum disease.
- Medical Conditions: In some cases bad breath is actually caused by a systemic medical condition in another part of your body other than your mouth. Dr. Radosovljevic can perform a comprehensive oral health exam to determine if the smell is rooted in your mouth. If your teeth and gums are healthy, Dr. Radosovljevic may refer your to your general doctor. Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or gastric reflux may all cause bad breath and should be monitored by a physician.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common dental health concern that is caused by a bacterial infection of the gums. Gum disease has been tied to serious medical conditions as well as oral health concerns. Dr. Radosovljevic offers periodontal therapy for the treatment of the various stages of gum disease.
Schedule An Appointment Clearwater, FL
If you have persistent bad breath, schedule a visit with Dr. Radosovljevic. Early diagnosis of dental health concerns can allow for conservative dental treatments saving you time and money. Regular visits to our Clearwater dentist office for professional tooth cleanings and oral health exams can help you enjoy a lifetime of oral health.