If you have chronic bad breath, then you know how embarrassing this problem can be. But don’t just mask the odor with breath mints and gum. That’s like cleaning an old car, rather than servicing the engine – it doesn’t get to the root of the problem.
Start by getting an accurate diagnosis from your dentist. Once you know the specific cause of your bad breath, then you can address it while also keeping up with your excellent oral care habits.
But what’s the actual cause of bad breath? Get ready to...
…Say hi to halitosis
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is characterized by an unpleasant oral odor. This can make simple things like having a close conversation with someone quite embarrassing. Brushing and flossing can help by removing germs and other substances from the mouth that can create a foul smell.
But what if you still experience symptoms even with good oral hygiene?
Determining the cause of bad breath can be tricky without the help of a healthcare professional because there are so many possibilities.
Here are three possible causes:
- Simple factors such as the nature of your eating habits or poor dental hygiene can lead to halitosis.
- Other oral health issues such as dry mouth and gum disease may be the culprit.
- Having chronic bad breath can also indicate a serious health problem such as a respiratory infection or problems with the liver or kidneys.
120 seconds x 2 = bye bye, bad breath
Your dentist or doctor can talk to you about ways to address any health issues that are triggering halitosis. You should also practice great oral care habits.
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help to control germs in the mouth. Brush for two minutes at a time, brushing all surfaces of teeth and your tongue with a Colgate 360 toothbrush.
For that fresh-mouth feel, try a toothpaste that is designed to combat bad breath such as the Colgate Max Fresh with Mini Breath Strips toothpaste. Use floss to keep the spaces in between your teeth clean. You can also use an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach places.
Regular dental visits are another part of good oral hygiene. See your dentist twice a year for a check-up, a professional cleaning with the dental hygienist and to talk about any oral health concerns that you may have.
Original content by Brenna Stone
