Have you recently noticed that your breath isn’t as fresh and clean as it should be? Everyone experiences this occasionally, but chronic bad breath can significantly impact your confidence and affect both personal and professional interactions.
Top 5 Culprits Behind Bad Breath
Your Long Beach dentists want to help you understand what causes bad breath and steps we can take to eliminate it for good.
- Poor Oral Hygiene — When you don’t properly remove food particles from your teeth and gums, bacteria feast on them and produce unpleasant odors. Even missing one day of proper brushing and flossing can make a noticeable difference.
- Dry Mouth — Saliva naturally cleanses your mouth and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria. When you don't produce enough saliva, due to medications, medical conditions, or not drinking enough water, bacteria multiply and lead to bad breath.
- Food Choices — Garlic and onions are obvious culprits, but foods like coffee, alcohol, and high-protein snacks can also contribute to breath problems. These foods either contain strong compounds that linger in your mouth or create conditions that bacteria love.
- Gum Disease — Persistent bad breath is often one of the first signs of gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum inflammation produce strong odours, and the pockets that form around infected teeth trap food and bacteria, allowing them to multiply.
- Medical Conditions — Sometimes, bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes, or liver problems. If your breath doesn't improve with excellent oral hygiene, it's worth checking with your primary doctor.
How Your Long Beach Dentist Helps Eliminate Bad Breath
At Golden Coast Dental Care, we take the following steps to address the root cause of bad breath, eliminating the problem at its source.
- Comprehensive Examination — Your Long Beach dental team can determine whether your bad breath stems from oral issues or if you need to consult with your physician.
- Professional Deep Cleaning — Sometimes it takes a professional teeth cleaning to eliminate hardened tartar and bacteria hiding below the gum line.
- Gum Disease Treatment — If gum disease is the culprit, your dentist can provide treatment to eliminate infection, restore your gum health, and resolve bad breath.
Is Persistent Bad Breath Holding You Back?
Bad breath doesn't have to be a permanent problem. With the proper professional care and daily habits, you can enjoy fresh breath and the confidence that comes with it.
Call Golden Coast Dental Care today at (562) 421-8401 to schedule a visit to see how we can help you.