Be Aware of the Causes of Bad Breath

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Have you been experiencing dragon breath? Bad breath, which is also known as halitosis, can be a real damper on your social life. If you are unsure what is causing your bad breath, never fear! Our dentist and team are excited to go over some of the common causes of bad breath.

Food
Certain strong foods, like onions, garlic, some spices and strong cheeses can cause bad breath. When these foods digest, they enter the bloodstream and are carried into the lungs. There, they can affect the scent of your breath.

Insufficient Dental Hygiene
Food particles that remain in your mouth can cause bad breath. Plaque can form on the teeth if it is not brushed away. If plaque is not brushed and flossed off of the teeth, the gums can become inflamed and gum disease can develop. If the tongue is not brushed, bacteria can gather that causes bad breath.

Dry Mouth
Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleaner. It removes food particles that can cause bad breath. If your mouth does not produce enough saliva, a condition that is known as dry mouth, bad breath can be the outcome.

Mouth, Nose or Throat Conditions
Infections in the mouth, like gum disease and mouth sores, can cause bad breath. Halitosis can also be caused by mouth, nose and throat conditions like inflammation in these areas and tonsil stones.

We invite you to call Nova Dental Care at 703-938-7615 today to learn more about halitosis and to set up a visit with Dr. Neal Emad, our dentist in Vienna, Virginia.