Most of us know that one of the best ways to avoid bad breath is to brush and floss regularly and thoroughly – the same bacteria that cause decay and gum disease cause bad breath.
Still, just about everybody suffers an occasional period of bad breath. Sometimes it is just a temporary condition cause by smoking or eating strong smelling foods, like onions or garlic. (Some food odors even get in your bloodstream and persist for a day or two after you’ve consumed the food.)
Another common problem is “morning mouth” – the stale odor and sour taste that builds up overnight because of decreased salivation while we are asleep. Colds and sinus infections can also cause stale breath, as can certain medications and periodontal disease.
Most of these problems can be solved by good oral hygiene, but chronic bad breath could be a sign of a systemic disorder such as diabetes. If you seem to have an ongoing problem with bad breath, ask us about it. We’ll investigate the problem and treat it, or refer you for further diagnosis and treatment.
