Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
What Causes Bad Breath?
Halitosis is the clinical name for a condition that affects many people. More commonly referred to as bad breath, the unpleasant odor can be a periodic condition or one that is persistent depending on the cause. For many people, the bacteria that live in the mouth are the primary cause of halitosis. For others, there can be more serious causes.
Causes of bad breath include:
- Poor dental hygiene – improper or infrequent brushing and flossing can leave food particles to decay inside the mouth
- Infections – Periodontal or gum disease
- Respiratory tract infections – Infections of the throat, sinus or lungs
- Dry mouth – Salivary gland problems, medications or breathing through the mouth
- Systemic Illness – Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, reflux disease and others
Some cases of bad breath such as "morning breath" are considered normal and are not typically a health concern. Others can be serious health conditions and the resulting bad breath may be an indication that helps identify a need for further medical evaluation.
Halitosis is a condition that can normally be treated by your cosmetic dentist. If your dentist determines that your bad breath is caused by another medical condition, they can refer you to a physician to evaluate and address those conditions.
If you are concerned about your bad breath, please contact the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by Neil at 7:13 AM
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