COULD IT BE YOUR BREATH?

Do friends and co-workers seem eager to hand you a breath mint? Is a smooch often out of your reach?

You may not even be aware of it, but you may suffer from the all too common, embarrassing condition known as halitosis.

For most of us, bad breath comes from gases produced by bacteria which accumulate in our mouth, teeth, gums and tongue. These gases contain sulfur which causes their odor.

But there may be other things at the root of your bad breath:

  • It may be your nose.
    Sinus infections or the presence of bacteria in your nose and sinus cavities cause smelly secretions from your nasal passages – which may be a cause of bad breath. Using a saline nasal wash can help, but if this problem persists, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
  • It may be your tongue.
    Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. And try a tongue scraper…a great way to to remove bacteria from the back of your tongue.
  • It may be tonsil stones.
    Tonsilloliths or tonsil stones, are globs of lymph tissue and bacteria that reside in the back of the throat and are filled with crevices where bacteria accumulates. If enough bacteria get caught, these smelly tonsilloliths can definitely contribute to halitosis. Happily, they can usually be removed with a WaterPik.
  • It may be your diet.
    Garlic and onions contain compounds that are taken into the blood cells and expelled through the lungs. So, your breath actually smells, not just your mouth.
  • It may be your stomach.
    If none of the above is the cause of your bad breath, or if it persists, see your doctor. In some cases, stomach problems, such as acid reflux, can cause bad breath.

And, hey…have you seen your dentist lately?
A good dental check-up may reveal plaque and dental decay. Plaque can break down your teeth, causing bad breath. Cavities can also be smelly culprits.

Remember to brush and floss daily…bad breath can impact your most personal relationships!

Call us at 561.627.9000 for a consultation.

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