Everyone has bad breath once in a while, like in the morning when they first wake up. For some people, morning breath is more potent than for others, but in most cases, the smell goes away after a healthy breakfast and few minutes of brushing and flossing at the sink. For others, however, bad breath doesn’t go away—a condition known as halitosis.
The difference between bad breath and halitosis is that halitosis is chronic, can indicate a serious underlying dental issue, and will not go away until your dentist treats the reason behind it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
The most common cause of bad breath isn’t the food you eat, but rather the oral bacteria in your mouth that also metabolize your food. Some of these microbes release potent, foul-smelling sulfur gases that increase in the midst of inadequate hygiene practices. If your bad breath doesn’t go away, then your dentist’s first recommendation may be to improve your dental hygiene routine at home, and to attend checkups and cleanings more regularly.
When to Ask Your Dentist for Help
If brushing and flossing your teeth more often don’t help improve your breath, then your bad breath may actually be chronic halitosis, and could indicate more serious trouble. Schedule a visit as soon as possible so your dentist can examine your teeth and oral tissues to determine what may be causing your halitosis and the best way to eliminate it.
Schedule an Appointment
Our primary goal is to enhance the health and quality of life of every one our patients through customized, comprehensive dental care. Book an appointment Call Sunnyvale Dental Care today at (408) 720-0900. We also proudly serve patients from Santa Clara, Cupertino, Mountain View, San Jose, Campbell, Palo Alto, and all surrounding communities.