Some people have no problem telling you that your breath is bad, while others may try to drop hints so as not to cause you any embarrassment. Some people may offer a few friendly tips, like chewing gum, and others may never say anything, but limit their interactions with you to avoid having to deal with it. However, what no one but your dentist can tell you about your bad breath is why it’s bad, and what options you have for actually getting rid of it.
It’s only natural sometimes
Everyone has bad breath sometimes, and in many cases, it’s natural. For example, when you wake up every morning, the over-accumulation of oral bacteria in your mouth can make your breath foul. If you’ve recently eaten a meal with onions, garlic, or other pungent foods, then it will naturally tinge your breath with its scent until the food has passed through your system. However, if you haven’t eaten any strong-smelling foods, and you brush and flossed your teeth already, then bad breath could be a sign of something that should be addressed by your dentist immediately.
It could be a warning sign
There are several different oral and systemic health concerns that count chronic bad breath (or halitosis) as one of their symptoms. For example, tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are products of excessive oral bacteria accumulation, can make your breath smell increasingly worse as they erode more of your tooth structure or gum tissues (respectively). Bad breath that remains even after you’ve thoroughly brushed and flossed your teeth is typically a sign of something that goes beyond your hygiene. You should visit your dentist as soon as possible to find out what it is.
If it doesn’t go away, you may need treatment
Whatever your bad breath is a symptom of will likely get worse the longer you wait to address it. Most oral health concerns, including tooth decay and gum disease, are progressive. All they need is time to reach their severe stages, at which point you may need extensive treatment to restore your good oral health. The sooner you speak to your dentist about your chronic bad breath, the more likely you’ll be able to treat it in a convenient, minimally invasive manner.
Find out what bad breath is trying to tell you
If you notice your breath is going bad and you can’t seem to improve it on your own, then it may be time to seek your dentist’s help to pinpoint the problem and address it professionally. For more information, schedule a visit by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
