A concern few people care to discuss with their dentist in Yorba Linda, CA, is bad breath. Most people experience it as soon as they awaken in the morning due to dry mouth. However, occasionally, foul breath has additional causes unrelated to how thoroughly you are flossing your teeth, along with brushing or even what you consume. That is increased by maintaining acceptable oral hygiene and limiting food items that support mouth odor, like garlic.
Possible causes for bad breath.
- Prescription drugs
Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs have the potential to either induce or exacerbate bad breath. This is due to some medicines creating a dry mouth by reducing the amount of saliva produced. Saliva does have the beneficial function of keeping in check halitosis-causing germs. As a result of the treatments you are taking, your ability to eliminate bacteria that make nasty substances is reduced if you do not create adequate saliva.
- Drinking alcohol
Several individuals discover the smell of alcohol highly awful since it has a unique aroma that might remain on their breath. Additionally, it also leads to mouth dryness. Reduction in saliva provides lower defense against bad-breath-causing germs, just like with drugs. It could be wise to forego the drink if you are going on a date!
- A low-carbohydrate diet is followed.
Low-carb diets are all the rage as more people hunt for weight loss solutions. A diet low in carbs may help you get rid of excess weight, but it also renders you more prone to halitosis. Your body utilizes fat as energy when you cut your carbohydrate consumption as low as several carb-deficit diets advise. Your liver then converts the resultant substances of fat breakdown into ketone-rich substances. Regrettably, ketone bodies provide the breath with an unpleasant fruity odor.
- Sinusitis or upper respiratory infections.
It is common to have foul breath when you have a cold or sinus infection. Consuming decongestants or antihistamines to treat the signs might worsen the condition by drying out your mouth. An increase in mucus production that slides along the throat at the back occurs whenever your sinuses or nasal passages are irritated. Bacteria produce bad breath-causing chemicals in the mucosa.
- Reflux disease (GERD)
Acid from the gut leaks back into the esophagus, a disease known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Your tongue may seem sour, and you may notice an unpleasant odor coming from your mouth.