Albuquerque Dentist Encourages Fresh Breath This Holiday Season

For many people, halitosis can be worse than finding a lump of coal in the stocking. No one wants to be around people with foul breath, especially during the holidays. Your Albuquerque dentist, Dr. Mark Miller, discusses some common causes of and effective solutions for bad breath.

Causes of Halitosis

The top cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Having bad breath may be the first sign that your mouth is not as healthy as it can be. Your mouth contains millions of microscopic bacteria that live on your teeth, gums, and tongue. These bacteria love feeding on leftover food particles after a meal or a snack. After feeding, the bacteria will release an acidic byproduct. Not only does this byproduct damage your teeth, but it also is foul-smelling. However, those bacteria are not the only cause. Sometimes, bad breath is a direct result of the food you eat. Foods such as onions and garlic can continue to smell even hours after digestion. The various acids and oils in these foods can end up being absorbed into your bloodstream and taken to your lungs, where they permeate the air that is being exhaled. Another cause might be an underlying health issue. There are a number of diseases and conditions that might cause halitosis, such as dry mouth, stomach ulcers, acid reflux disease, and sinus infections. If you are concerned that the reason for your bad breath might be medical, consult your primary care physician.

Ways to Improve Your Breath

Make sure you brush and floss regularly. By brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you remove both the bacteria and the food particles they like to feed in, preventing the process that leads to bad breath and tooth decay. Don’t neglect to brush or scrape the tongue, since that is another source for breath-fouling bacteria. You can also use a mouthwash, but be aware that most mouthwashes only temporarily cover the bad breath odor, and do nothing about the cause. The exception is mouthwashes that contain peroxide, which can kill off bacteria. Drinking lots of water and chewing sugarless gum are also effective solutions. Both promote the production of saliva, which can help to wash away the bacteria. If you are a tobacco user, strongly considering quitting. Far better breath is among the many health benefits you will gain from kicking the habit.

Ask Your Albuquerque Dentist for Fresh Breath Advice

Are you concerned about your bad breath or any other aspect of your oral health? Make an appointment with your Albuquerque dentist office by calling Snow Park Dental at (505) 596-4479. Located in the 87112 area, we proudly serve patients from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Edgewood, Corrales, Los Lumas, Tijeras, Mountain Air, Santa Fe, and Taos.

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