During the holidays, family and friends come together to celebrate the blessings and
goodness experienced throughout the year. At these special gatherings, do not let bad breath ruin good times.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unmistakable, unpleasant odor that is emitted when one speaks or breaths out the mouth. What causes this embarrassing condition? The root cause could be a number of things, according to the American Dental Association and your Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic. These potential causes include:
- Lack of regular basic dental care such as brushing and flossing
- Consumption of foods with strong odors such as garlic and onions
- Infections and diseases of the sinuses, lungs, liver, kidneys, or pancreas
- Dry mouth due to lack of saliva production
- Infrequent eating due to dieting
- Use of tobacco products and coffee
- Tooth decay
The first step in alleviating bad breath is to make healthful food choices and to drink plenty of water. Next, and just as important, is to maintain regular dental care habits that include brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Finally, it is essential to schedule appointments with medical professionals including your family doctor and your Dakota Dental family dentist to make sure your health is in order.
Tooth decay is a common reason for bad breath. Don’t let your 2012 insurance money be lost when it could be put to important use in preventing tooth decay or dealing with dental issues that require treatment.
Daily oral care will prevent the accumulation of rotting food particles that may be contributing to bad breath. However, if halitosis does not resolve itself within a few days and seems to be a chronic problem, call your Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists to discuss treatment options.
The Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry clinic serves the southern Minneapolis and Saint Paul suburbs, offering comprehensive dental services for adults and kids. These dental services include dental emergency services, general dental services, and cosmetic dentistry.