Ask the Dentist

Q: Why do I have bad breath?

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A: Often times, people tend to complain that they feel like they have bad breath.  Usually it is followed by the statement, “I brush every day.”   Often we become self-conscious if we feel our breath is bad; we become embarrassed to speak to others or even be near other people. It can be very frustrating if we are unable to determine the cause of the bad breath.  Sometimes there can be other underlying causes or conditions of bad breath, so it is important to consult with your dentist.

Often times, the main cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene.  Brushing is key, which most people do. However what I have found is that people are not brushing twice a day, especially before they go to bed. Or sometimes people brush twice a day, but they are not brushing for a full 2 minutes, which is recommended.  The foods and drinks we consume during the day are left to sit on our teeth and in our gums.  Our saliva production decreases at night while we are sleeping, and this creates a haven for bacteria to multiply and create problems.   If this continues, over time, the bacterial by-products harden and the only can be removed with a professional dental cleaning.  One may feel the gums become sore and often bleed during brushing.  This is a sign of gingivitis and early periodontal (gum) disease.   

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