Mouthwash can leave your breath minty fresh, but it isn’t a cure for chronic bad breath. At best, it is a temporary mask. If you cope with bad breath on a regular basis, ask us about it next time you’re at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City.
Ordinary bad breath is caused by the things we eat and drink. Food debris builds up in the mouth and forms plaque on the teeth, which is a bacterial buildup. The best defense is to brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal.
Certain foods like onions and garlic, of course, have a double-whammy. Food particles can actually get into your bloodstream, and from there to the lungs. Once it does, it’s on your breath every time you exhale. You’ll have to wait it out.
Other common culprits:
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Diets high in sugar
- High protein or Low Carb diets
- Smoking
These, as noted, are causes of ordinary bad breath. Digestive issues, like acid reflux, can also affect the breath. Dry mouth (xerostomia) can also cause it, since saliva helps to keep the mouth clean by washing away food debris.
Health Conditions
Bad breath may also be a warning sign of a more serious health condition. If you have persistent bad breath in spite of good oral hygiene, be sure to have it checked out. It may be a sign of a more serious issue, like a blood disorder, liver and kidney problems, or – much less common – even cancer.
At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City, our services include complete general dentistry. People from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay also come to our practice for porcelain veneers and much more. Call us to schedule your next cleaning and checkup today!
Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
