There are a few different causes of bad breath, ranging from stomach problems to diet and teeth problems. Most of the causes of bad breath can be found in the mouth. Common causes are the tongue (when bacteria grows in between the papilla), teeth cavities (especially when food particles get stuck in them), gum diseases, extraction sites during healing, dentures when not cleaned properly, alcohol, and tobacco.
When the cause is found, treatment will be determined and explained by your dentist at Anderson Lane Dental. If the source of the bad breath is your mouth, there is little chance that mouthwashes or mints can treat the problem. They usually mask the problem for a short period of time and can sometimes exacerbate the situation (mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause dry mouth and usually make the bad breath worse).
These are a few other, non-dental reasons that cause bad breath: sore throat, tonsillitis, some foods, and infection of the air passages. Following a good oral hygiene routine and receiving regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent bad breath. To learn more and to schedule your next visit with Dr. Pevow and Dr. Robbins, please contact our Austin, Texas dental office today.
