Last Updated on: 23rd July 2024, 07:50 am
How do cavities cause bad breath (halitosis)?
Lately, circumstances have led us to wear masks because of this new epidemic. It doesn’t only make us feel uncomfortable, oppressed, or overly controlled, but also makes us notice, in most cases, that we may have a health problem, which we didn’t notice before. It’s the unpleasant mouth odor or bad breath we have now noticed, it has perhaps lived with us even before we wore masks.
Wearing a mask for a long time produces changes in the oral and perioral microbiota, but it is not the origin of the problem of bad breath.
What causes bad breath?
The main causes of halitosis or bad breath are related to an enormous proliferation of bacteria in our mouths.
Bad breath originates from different oral and gastrointestinal health problems within us, and the most common and well-known is dental cavities. Just a small space in our mouth can have a mix of saliva and the remains of products derived from our food. That space alone can contain millions of bacteria that proliferate easily, and within a brief time, it can become a dental plaque, faster than what it takes you to read this article. This is the reason dentists around the world recommend brushing your teeth at least three times a day, the average number of times a person eats.
Why brush your teeth?
In a suitable environment, dental plaque acts on the structure of the tooth and turns into cavities. That is why it is very important to remove dental plaque as soon as possible, with proper tooth brushing, we must clean the remains of our food after each meal, including all the tissues present in our mouth, not only on the teeth but also on gums, tongue, cheeks, and even part of the throat, by using mouthwashes.
What other ways can I prevent it?
So you’re brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth, but you noticed your bad breath hasn’t gone away? This is because you not only have the accumulation of dental plaque in your mouth, but also because you may already have cavities, tartar, or gum disease. They combine, together, in your mouth, and you need to be fixed as soon as possible. The solution at that point is not just removing plaque or using mouthwash, but maintaining your dental health.
Many of us know how difficult it is to live near family members, friends, or coworkers who have bad breath. If we are the ones who suffer from it, it’s even worse. Recently the world has changed many of our daily lives habits and hiding the problem by using mouth sprays is not the solution.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Island Family Dental and on our Facebook page. We look forward to your visit and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our Dentists in Oxnard, Saint Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you towards the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.