5 Reasons Your Breath Smells Off

If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, you expect your breath to smell good. Having good-smelling breath is essential for your dental health and for your social health. If you experience bad breath, that is something you are going to want to address with your general dentist.

#1: Dirty Teeth

If you are not brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing or are not brushing your teeth properly, the truth is you may have dirty teeth. When debris collects between your teeth and stays there and breaks down, it can give you some really bad breath. To combat this, you will want to get a formal cleaning of your teeth, and you are going to need to change the way you take care of your teeth.

#2: Dirty Tongue

When brushing your teeth, it is common to focus on your teeth. However, it is also essential to clean your tongue as well. Bacteria can build on your tongue and result in some really bad breath. If you have bacteria on your tongue, you will need to start incorporating a little brushing of your tongue into your oral hygiene routine.

#3: Missing Meals

Missing meals can actually have a direct impact on your dental health. When you skip meals, your body doesn't produce the same amount of saliva as it does when you eat. Saliva helps to remove bacteria down your mouth instead of staying in place. That is why you should eat at least three meals a day and drink your share of water to keep saliva moving in your mouth and bacteria moving as well.

#4: Smoking

Smoking is damaging to so many parts of your body, including your teeth. Smoking cigarettes can result in the cavity-fighting particles in your mouth being destroyed. This can result in bad breath and other dental health issues. Stopping smoking is the right step to make.

#5: Infected Gums

The issue may have to do with your gums. If your gums are sensitive or bleed regularly, then you may have gum disease. One of the most obvious signs of gum disease is bad-smelling breath. You are going to want to step up your brushing and flossing to fight infected gums. You are also going to want to work with your dentist to monitor your gum health.

If your breath just doesn't smell right, you will want to talk to this issue your dentist about. Proper cleaning and better oral hygiene habits are often what you need to change the situation in your mouth. A dentist can also ensure your gums are not infected, and if they are, work with you to get them healthy again. Remember, eating multiple meals throughout the day and not smoking cigarettes can also help combat bad breath.

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