We all have that moment: we’re constantly breathing on the back of our hand and smelling, checking to see if it’s improved at all, but we’re hyper aware that our breath doesn’t smell very good. This might be because of the extra garlic that was in the spaghetti, or the extra shot of espresso in the venti mocha lattechino. It’s usually a minor issue that we all have to contend with every now and then, but did you know that your bad breath can be a sign of something worse?
Dry Mouth
Your bad breath may be due to a lack of saliva production in your mouth. Without saliva, bacteria and food that usually gets washed away can fester on your teeth and begin to rot. If you notice you are suffering from frequent dry mouth, bring a bottle of water with you to keep yourself hydrated. You may also want to check with your doctor to see if it’s a side effect of medication you are taking.
Diet
As mentioned earlier, food can sometimes be the reason for your bad breath. If your foods are constantly giving you bad breath, then you may want to consider a change in diet. Reign back on the garlic bread and coffee. Keep some sugar free gum on hand to freshen your breath when you’ve had a particularly pungent dish.
Gum Disease
If you notice that your breath is often rather bad, and you frequently have a gross taste in your mouth, this may be a warning sign of advanced gum disease. Your dentist can help treat your gum disease, providing you better oral health and breath.
Mints Might Not Be Enough
If you can’t seem to get rid of your bad breath, we can provide you with a number of services that can help. Schedule an appointment today. Contact our Austin, TX office at 512-250-9444.
