Post-Nasal Drip And Foul Breath: How Your Dentist Knows That Your Oral Hygiene Is Fine

You brush and floss like crazy. In fact, you probably brush and floss more than anyone you know. While that is great, what is not so great is your constant bad breath. How on Earth could you have the breath of a garbage disposal unit with how often you brush and floss? Does your dentist know how hard you work at oral health? Does he/she know why your awful breath odor persists? Here are your answers.

Bad Breath Is Not All about Your Teeth and Gums

Most people who suffer from bad breath are surprised to learn that not all cases of halitosis (bad breath) are the cause of your oral hygiene habits. There are several sources of bad breath. One particular source worth discussing here is post-nasal drip. It sounds nasty, and it leads to horrible breath. Most surprisingly, it has nothing to do with your teeth, gums, or even your mouth! It has to do with your nose!

Post-nasal drip occurs when a lot of sinus secretions mixed with a lot of bacteria slowly slips down the back of your throat. (Bet you did not know that your nose mucus did this, did you?) Unlike the usual amount of mucus that glides down your throat, the post-nasal drip kind is always in excess and always from the sinuses behind your nose and around your eyes. It mixes with little rotting bits of food that have stuck in your throat and lots of bacteria that have quickly reproduced. What you get is some of the worst smelling breath.

Yes, Your Dentist Knows That Your Bad Breath Is Not Your Fault

There are two ways that your dentist can tell that you have post-nasal drip and that the halitosis condition you have is not your fault. First, he or the dental assistant has to suction a lot of mucus out of your throat while you are laying down during a procedure. By a lot, it means much more and much more often than usual.

Next, your teeth and gums are immaculate and in excellent health. When your dentist sees the condition of your teeth and gums, he/she knows how hard you work to keep your mouth clean. Ergo, he/she also knows that you suffer from a condition that causes your bad breath.

Yes, Your Dentist Knows

It is a little embarrassing to know that your dentist knows. However, you can feel a little less embarrassed because your dentist can help. He or she can prescribe mouth rinses with which to gargle that will help kill the bacteria in your throat that lead to your post-nasal drip bad breath. Do not be afraid to address this problem, especially since your oral hygiene is so good.

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