Causes of Bad Breath

Do you often have bad breath? It may not be something you ate. We’re dedicated to helping our patients maintain their oral health at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, and we want our patients to be aware of the signs of infection and other problems. Halitosis, or bad breath, is one of the most significant indicators that your oral hygiene needs more attention.

Bacteria colonize the papillae of the tongue and the spaces between tooth roots and the surrounding gum tissue. Their secretions turn into plaque, and eventually, tartar. Oral bacteria excretions are foul-smelling, and the more food debris oral bacteria have to feed on, the more secretions they’ll produce. They may also consume other biological material, such as nasal discharge that lands in the back of the throat.

Scent related to infections will be worse when the patient lacks saliva to neutralize bacterial acid. Other conditions that can contribute to halitosis are those such as diabetes which create an elevated risk of gingivitis. People may also suffer from bad breath if they have frequent bouts of acid reflux, which may be related to a diet high in citrus juice, alcohol, or red meat. Regular brushing and flossing is crucial to mitigating all of these, as is use of a tongue scraper and mouthwash.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.