Halitosis Bad Breath Part 1

Submitted by scottsdaledentist on Thu, 2011-12-01 10:30

Halitosis - Possible Causes

Perhaps it has happened to you: A friend, relative, or coworker is speaking to you and a stench that could knock you out wafts from their open mouth! Or perhaps you've noticed the same thing from your own teeth, gums, and tongue. Fortunately, bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be solved! Your friendly Scottsdale, AZ cosmetic dentists Dr. Rod Gore and Dr. Erik Svans can help you locate the cause of your disconcerting dental problem before determining a solution. Some possible causes of halitosis include:

  • Certain foods like onions and garlic which are exhaled can cause an unpleasant odor.
  • Inadequate brushing and flossing can leave particles of food in the mouth collects bacteria, leaving you with bad breath.
  • Dry mouth (or xerostomia). Saliva is necessary to cleanse the teeth and tissues of the mouth, with inadequate saliva flow caused by mouth breathing, salivary gland problems, or certain medications, halitosis can result.
  • Tabacco use.

Missing regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings. Routinely visiting your dental hygienist for gentle thorough teeth cleanings, and your highly-trained Scottsdale dentist for decay, oral cancer, and gum disease screening should be your first defense against bad breath!