Bad breath can be one of the biggest downfalls to a quality first impression.  Many patients do everything properly:  brushing their teeth, flossing daily, and steering clear of foods that are generally known for causing bad breath.  However, there are medical reasons that make this problem much harder to combat then the simple routine maintenance techniques.  To help you better understand the chemical reactions and physical elements that affect your breath, we are outlining the causes and solutions, giving you a clearer picture regarding the condition and an understanding of how you can help prevent it!

What Causes Bad Breath?

Every time you eat something, the enzymes in your saliva begin breaking down the food into a form that your body can digest.  Certain elements to your food, like garlic for example, enter the bloodstream, and are released through your pores.  When you exhale, the scent of particular foods taints the air, as well.  Breath mints or mouthwash offer relief that is only temporary, as the fresh scent only lingers in your mouth, and doesn’t permeate through the rest of your body.

Your habits can affect your breath, as well.  If you smoke or drink heavy amounts of alcohol, you may find that brushing your teeth offers only a small window of fresh breath.  A lack of regular brushing or flossing can leave food particles between your teeth, and, as we all know, decomposing food can have quite an odor.

What Can You Do About It?

Regular dental visits can help you to get a better idea of how your daily maintenance procedures are working.  A dental professional can tell immediately which elements are going to require a bit more tweaking and which are working perfectly.  Brushing and flossing are half of the battle against bad breath, but don’t be fooled into believing that nothing more is required.  Visit your dentist and learn quickly how you can take the extra necessary steps to combat bad breath!