Are you consistently bothered by bad breath, known as halitosis? Bad breath can be the result of many things, most notably poor dental health habits. But what if we told you that your bad breath could be a warning sign of a more serious medical problem?
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease, is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. The bacteria emitted by this plaque bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, irritating the gums and leading to your bad breath.
- Poorly Fitting Dental Appliances: If your dental crowns, bridges, or other dental appliance does not fit correctly, it could be allowing food and other debris to find their way in. This could be causing your bad breath.
- Dry Mouth: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth could be causing your bad breath. The lack of saliva caused by dry mouth allows food particle, plaque, and bacteria to accumulate on your teeth, tongue, gums, and cheeks.
Additional medical problems that could be causing your bad breath include: respiratory tract infections (pneumonia or bronchitis), chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, liver or kidney problems, and yeast infections of the mouth.
The best way to combat bad breath and discover dental disorders early is with semi-annual appointments with your dentist.
Schedule an Appointment with Annapolis Dental Care Today!
At Annapolis Dental Care, we schedule early morning and evening appointments to work around your busy schedule and help make your visit as convenient as possible!
Most dental professionals recommend visiting the dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning. During these visits your teeth will be cleaned and polished and plaque and tartar will be removed from your gums. While this is happening, your dentist or dental hygienist will be checking your teeth and gums for any signs of more serious problems.
If you have any questions about Bad Breath and Oral Health, or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today!
Dr. Steckler’s philosophy is to give patients individualized attention and to make their experiences as comfortable as possible.
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Source: What health problems are associated with bad breath? WebMD