The severity of some dental issues may be relevant to the patient. For instance, tooth loss can be a devastating issue for some people, while others may laugh it off and continue about their daily lives, confidence unaffected (it should be noted that if you ignore tooth loss, your oral health can continue to suffer the consequences, even if your confidence doesn’t). Offensive breath, however, is an issue that most people would agree needs to be addressed. Brushing and flossing your teeth can typically eliminate the foul odors that can emanate from your mouth, but in some cases, dental hygiene alone may not suffice to combat the problem. To help you defeat bad breath and restore your confidence, Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Kania, explains some of the lesser-known causes behind chronic bad breath, or halitosis.

Bad Bacteria

If you are a patient or regular reader of ours, then you should know that the majority of oral health issues, including periodontal disease, begin with the excessive accumulation of bacteria. With over 600 different kinds of bacteria in your mouth, some of these germs do more than infect your oral tissues; some of them emit foul-smelling sulfur compounds that can seriously taint your exhalations. Many of these germs rest on your tongue, so be sure to scrub your tongue with a toothbrush, or preferably a tongue-scraper, while brushing and flossing your teeth.

Skipping Breakfast

Have you ever wondered why your breath is especially rancid when you wake in the mornings? Your saliva flow, which is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria accumulation, is slowed significantly when you sleep at night. The lack of moisture allows mouth germs to proliferate in force while you slumber, resulting in an excess of germs and their stinking emissions by the time you rise out of bed. Eating a well-balanced breakfast in the morning can kick-start your saliva production and help you eliminate these germs faster, helping your mouth stay fresher for longer.

Oral & Systemic Illnesses

Bad breath that refuses to dissipate can often signify disease in your mouth or body. Aside from tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, other illnesses that can taint your breath include kidney failure, liver disease, respiratory tract infection, diabetes, digestive issues and many more.

Learn More with Your Encinitas Periodontist

To learn more, contact Dr. Kania at our Encinitas periodontal care office by calling (706) 642-0711. We serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.