It can be embarrassing and negatively affect our social life and personal relationships. We don’t like to hear it, but most of us suffer from it at least sometimes.

 Today’s topic – bad breath.

There are no statistics to show the percentage of the population with bad breath, but studies do show that  about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source.  

Bad breath, or malodor, is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. It causes inflammation and gives off odors or gasses that can range from mild to very bad smelling (also known as halitosis).

If you have cavities, gum disease, tonsils that have trapped food particles, cracked fillings, and dentures that are not properly cleaned – it can all cause bad breath.

There are some internal medical conditions that can also lead to bad breath, such as diabetes, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, and chronic bronchitis, or acid reflux, postnasal drip, and other causes of chronic dry mouth.

If you’re not sure if your breath is bad, since it can be hard to tell on your own, ask your best friend, your significant other, or your dentist. After all, that’s why your trusted dentist is here – to take care of your teeth and mouth.

If you, or someone you know, have bad breath, the good news is there are ways to fix this problem.

If you’re wondering, like many others, how to prevent bad breath, here are some answers:

• Good oral hygiene

 If you want to prevent or fight bad breath, you should ideally brush and floss after every meal. It will help reduce the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Also, try to use an electric toothbrush, or, if you use a regular toothbrush, replace it every two to three months.

• Healthy life style

Eat food rich in fiber, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. And, stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, as they can worsen the bad breath.

• Rule out or take care of any underlying conditions

As we’ve discussed above, there are some health conditions that can lead to bad breath, so make sure you talk to your doctor about the solutions and perform necessary check-ups.

• Regular dental appointments

 Every six months, get your teeth and mouth checked and cleaned.

At Smiles By Stevens, we strongly believe that prevention continues to be the best course of action for our health, and we invite you to take proper care of your oral health.

Whether you’re in need of a routine cleaning, so your teeth, gums, and breath are healthy, or a more advanced dental treatment – trust Dr. Shea F. Stevens, who was recently named one of PA’s top 20 dentists, and our highly qualified and experienced staff to provide you with a solution.

Contact Smiles By Stevens dentistry in Lancaster PA today, and find out all about preventing bad breath and treating it.