Bad breath can be an embarrassing issue for some individuals and may even lead to awkwardness in social settings. Knowing what causes bad breath is important because the problem could be a sign of a more serious dental or medical issue. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to treat bad breath and make your mouth clean and healthy.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant odor that is usually detected when a person exhales. There are many causes, but most bad breath starts in the mouth. The American Dental Association notes the most common causes of bad breath:
Perhaps the most important home care remedy is to brush, floss and clean your tongue regularly. Brushing your teeth twice per day, cleaning your tongue and flossing at least once per day remove food particles from your mouth. Cleaning your tongue after brushing reduces the bacteria that resides on the back of your tongue.
Your dentist can prescribe or recommend special toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent the production of bad odors. Curious about these remedies, visit your Toledo area family dentist at Light Touch Dental Care.