Dentist Appointments For Bad Breath

When someone mentions you have bad breath you may not immediately think about your dentist. However when it comes to knowledge of the teeth and mouth, there is no one better. Whether you make a specific appointment or you just mention bad breath at the next check-up, there may be an awkward moment when you don't know how to approach it. But go ahead and ask!

What You Put Into Your Mouth:
Your dentist may start with a talk about your diet. Is your bad breath only after eating certain foods? Garlic and onions are popular culprits that most people have had to face at least a time or two. The food is delicious, but the after effects can be frustrating (especially on a date). Because the food is absorbed into your system it isn't always possible to completely rid yourself of the odor. However you can usually mask it by brushing, flossing and following up with mouthwash. This will give you a mint taste and smell, at least temporarily.

Any type of food that you eat can be caught between your teeth. From there bacteria forms and an unpleasant odor can begin to emit from your mouth. Your dentist is going to mention the brushing, flossing, and mouthwash once again along with an added suggestion. Coming in for your regular cleanings can also help. Pieces of food that just haven't made it out of your mouth usually exit quickly during a cleaning.

If you are a smoker of any kind the breath issue probably comes from this habit. More than likely your dentist is going to frown on this practice as a whole and suggest that you quit as soon as possible. There are other unpleasant symptoms that come from regular tobacco use.

Dry Mouth:
If you have ever experienced a heightened sense of anxiety you may know just what "dry mouth" feels like. In this situation there is not enough saliva present in the mouth. Saliva is necessary as it is part of the mouth's cleaning mechanism. While there are a variety of reasons for having dry mouth, if this is a constant situation, make an appointment. It is possible to prescribe certain medications to counteract the bad breath.

Under the Weather:
Sometimes when you aren't feeling all that great you may notice that your breath isn't doing so well either. In the case of a sinus infection, bronchitis and even common gastrointestinal issues bad breath may be the result. Most of the time when the sickness clears up so does the smell. Infection isn't pleasant in general and when it is located around your throat and mouth, the odor can come up. In the case of stomach issues, if your food isn't going down properly it can emit a smell that is similarly unpleasant.