Jonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, TN

Bad breath (also called halitosis) is an embarrassing problem that can make people feel isolated and self-conscious — that is, if they even realize they have it. Sometimes, bad breath is a temporary issue, such as after coffee or an especially pungent meal. Other times, halitosis can be a symptom of a more serious dental issue. Let’s look with our family dentist in Jonesborough today at five possible reasons your breath may smell bad.

1. Pungent foods

It’s common knowledge that garlic-laden dishes aren’t going to be the best choice for dinner if, for instance, you’re on a first date. Garlic, onions and spicy dishes are known to cause smelly breath because they contain compounds that enter a person’s bloodstream and are exhaled through the lungs. This means bad breath lingers for hours after consuming the meal with these ingredients.

Solution? When enjoying a meal heavy in garlic, onion and/or spices, be sure you drink plenty of water. Our Jonesborough family dentist also recommends chewing sugar-free gum, which helps increase saliva production. Saliva helps combat bad breath. And, of course, brushing your teeth after meals will help with bad breath, too.

2. Poor oral hygiene

A lack of proper brushing and flossing often results in someone having lingering food particles in their mouth, particularly between the teeth. The food particles attract bad, sulfur-producing bacteria that thrive and multiply on the teeth, gums and tongue.

Solution? Practice strong oral hygiene to be sure you’re eliminating all food particles from your teeth after eating. Our family dentist in Greeneville, like all dentists, recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day — once after breakfast and once before bed — and flossing once daily, preferably during your nighttime oral health care regime. Boost your regime and the freshness of your breath by adding a mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine, and be sure to visit us at Tusculum Dental Care twice a year for your routine exam and cleaning.

3. Dry mouth

Saliva is the unsung hero of oral health, but it’s Nature’s natural antiseptic mouthwash. It helps wash away food particles and harmful, sulfur-producing bacteria in your mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can result from dehydration, taking certain medications or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.

Solution? The best way to combat dehydration is to always have water handy and sip it throughout the day. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production. If your dry mouth persists despite these efforts, contact our Tusculum Dental Care office.

4. Gum disease

Chronic bad breath can be a symptom of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which occurs when plaque and sulfur-producing bacteria build up on the teeth and irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

Solution? Gum disease is a condition that usually results from poor oral hygiene and needs to be confirmed and treated by a professional. If you notice pink in your toothpaste when you brush your teeth, or if your gums are red, irritated or inflamed, contact our Erwin family dentist to make an appointment as quickly as possible. Early treatment of gum disease can help prevent more serious dental issues down the road.

5. Medical conditions

Occasionally, bad breath has little to do with oral health and instead is linked to medical conditions such as sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes or even more serious conditions like kidney or liver problems. These conditions can cause distinctive breath odors that are difficult to mask.

Solution? If you’re struggling with bad breath and have tried each of the oral healthcare tips above to no avail, consult with your primary healthcare provider to address any potential underlying medical conditions that could be causing your bad breath.

Bad breath treatment in Jonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, Tennessee

Bad breath can be an uncomfortable problem. Thankfully, in many cases, it’s also avoidable. Step up your oral health regime, stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum and eat garlic, onion and spicy foods in moderation. If you try all of these tips and still struggle with bad breath, contact our Tusculum Dental Care office at (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online today.