Does Bad Breath Bother You?

Don’t Live with Bad Breath

Sooner or later, everybody deals with bad breath. We chew gum and suck on mints, or try out herbal remedies, special toothpastes, and mouthwash. Usually, it’s a short-lived problem, but sometimes bad breath just doesn’t seem to go away.

In ancient times, decaying teeth and bad breath were everyday facts. History shows the ancient Egyptians counteracted bad breath by combining myrrh, cinnamon, frankincense and honey into a boiling brew. They cooled and shaped the concoction into pellets, then sucked on those, effectively creating the first breath mint. Since then, people have chewed on seeds, herbs and tree sap to cover over bad breath.

All these solutions just mask the symptom. As with any dental issue, what they needed to do was address the source of the bad breath. Sadly, back then they didn’t have a clue as to what was really causing the problem, let alone how to address it. Fortunately, the Yuba City Dentistry Group has an in-depth understanding of what causes bad breath, as well as several ways to resolve it.

The Usual Suspects in Bad Breath

The most common sources for bad breath come from our diet. Foods like garlic, onions, cheeses and canned fish often result in bad breath, and trying to rinse your mouth out with coffee or alcohol may only enhance the problem. Of course, most of us already know these foods and drinks give us bad breath, which is why we can relate to all those jokes and comedy sketches that poke fun at it.

Even when these odors linger for hours, they eventually dissipate. Chronic bad breath comes from poor dental hygiene or oral health. A lack of brushing and flossing allow gram-negative bacteria to flourish in your mouth, and they produce a stinky gas. When we exhale, that gas gets carried into the breathing zone of those around us and we call the result bad breath. The scientific term for this condition is halitosis.

Break Away from Bad Breath

Granted, there are other sources of bad breath — like dry mouth (xerostomia) or reactions to medications. Thankfully, the Yuba City Dentistry Group can help reduce or even remove any of these sources of bad breath. But even more important is what you do on a daily basis. Keep up with a routine of brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing every day, and using mouthwash as needed. Also, check in with us by visiting the Yuba City Dentistry Group twice a year. With our knowledge, technology and expertise, there’s no reason for you to be troubled by bad breath.