It’s that time of year again, folks! It’s the season for football games, hayrides, weddings, fall parties and all sorts of other social gatherings.
And you can’t draw people close during these special occasions if your breath is repellant!
Your friends at R.R. Williams, DDS can help you find ways to freshen your breath this fall with our general dentistry services in North Richland Hills, TX!
What’s Causing Your Bad Breath?
To find the best solution for halitosis, or bad breath, you first have to look at what’s causing it. Here are some of the most common reasons your breath might be less than fresh:
*DIET*
We’ll start with the most obvious reason your breath might smell bad… your diet!
Everyone knows that some of the most delicious flavors in foods are the most pungent, like onions and garlic. Especially aromatic foods and drinks, like fish, certain cheeses, dressings, coffee, and alcohol can also leave lingering odors in your mouth.
*POOR DENTAL HABITS*
Even if you try to limit your consumption of pungent foods, spices, or drinks, you’re not doing your breath any favors by failing to keep your mouth clean. Tiny food particles are going to find places to hide, like between your teeth and in the deep grooves on the biting surfaces of your back molars. It won’t be long before all that debris starts to smell!
Poor dental habits can make it hard to keep your breath clean and fresh. Here are some examples of what bad oral hygiene might look like:
- Flossing every now and then or not at all
- Brushing once a day instead of twice
- Brushing your teeth, but not your tongue
- Brushing too quickly instead of following the 2-minute rule
*DENTAL PROBLEMS*
Persistent bad breath that can’t be masked by brushing, flossing, mouthwash, or breath mints might be a sign of a growing dental problem with your teeth and gums.
The bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease can emit a foul odor and leave a bad taste in your mouth.
We can perform a thorough dental exam to check for these issues so we can treat them before they worsen, and it may help resolve your issue with bad breath.
*LACK OF SALIVA*
Your saliva production needs to remain at a healthy level for several reasons.
It’s what helps wash away food particles and debris in between brushing and flossing. Saliva also coats your teeth and gums to create a protective barrier against pigments in your foods and drinks, as well as harmful bacteria and acids that eat through tooth enamel.
Anything that slows saliva production will make your mouth dry, and yes, your breath smelly.
It can be that you’re not drinking enough water, you’re breathing through your mouth instead of your nose, or maybe dry mouth is a side effect of a prescription medication you’re taking.
*HEALTH ISSUES*
This time of year, many allergy sufferers are feeling the worst of those common symptoms like respiratory or sinus infections and postnasal drip, which can cause bad breath.
But there are other health conditions that can contribute to foul odors in your mouth. Your North Richland Hills dentist can help you find the underlying cause so we can offer effective solutions.
Freshen Your Breath Now!
Fall is a time to get out and socialize, so the last thing you want to worry about is bad breath!
It’s not just an embarrassing problem, but it could be a sign of something more serious going on with your oral and overall health.
We can help!
Call R.R. Williams DDS today at 817-281-4801 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment in North Richland Hills, TX.