Halitosis (Bad Breath): The Harmful Effects

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Bad breath can be really embarrassing and can have a huge impact on your self-confidence. Sometimes, you could have bad breath because of the foods you eat, but if you have consistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, there are a few things you should know.

Halitosis is often caused by germs from food particles that are left in your mouth. Sadly, this issue will only get worse if it isn’t addressed. Halitosis can also help bad bacteria grow more quickly than you can remove it. To prevent halitosis, we recommend brushing your teeth after you eat, but you should remember to wait about half an hour before you brush. Otherwise, you could damage your pearly whites and your gums. When you brush, please pay attention to where your gum meets your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash can also be useful.

Brushing and flossing may not always be enough to fight off bad breath. For example, if you have dentures that don’t fit as well as they should, you could create sores. These sores, aside from being painful, can allow bacteria to spread, resulting in bad breath. Smoking, gum disease, and certain medications could also result in this issue.

If you’re interested in learning more about preventing bad breath, please don’t hesitate to contact Midtown Dental at 919-847-8074. We’ll be happy to examine your teeth and offer you specific advice. Dr. Seth Rumley and our team are excited to hear from you soon!