Bad breath stinks. Literally! Did you know that stinky breath can come from more than just anchovies or garlic? Bad breath can also come from sources inside your body, and when that’s the case it’s referred to as halitosis. Here are some sources of halitosis.
-If you have periodontal disease, pockets of bacteria in your gums are eating away your teeth, and they may also be the culprit behind bad breath. And because those pockets can be hard to get to, washing them out will require help.
-Infections in the oral cavity and/or nasal passageway may be the source behind postnasal drip, which could be a cause of halitosis. When your body generates mucus in a postnasal drip or to fight infections, your mouth can be left a slimy, stinky, fertile space for bacteria.
-Dry mouth is another disorder that puts you at risk for halitosis. Saliva in the mouth washes out food remnants and damaging bacteria, and it also breaks down food, making lodged debris less probable to occur. Without saliva (and all of its benefits), bacteria become more widespread in the oral cavity and bad breath is inevitable. (Meds and a few medical conditions can contribute to dry mouth. If you’re questioning whether you have dry mouth, please speak with us at your next appointment.)
Smoking, drug use, kidney disease and diabetes may also lead to halitosis. If brushing two times a day and flossing once a day aren’t relieving your bad breath, you may have halitosis. Please contact us at 503-255-1506 to pencil in your next visit with Dr. Lee J. Cowles, DMD in our Portland, Oregon, office, and we’ll help you defeat bad breath for good.
