Why Does My Breath Stink? Reasons For Bad Breath
We would be kidding ourselves if we said we have never experienced bad breath. Everyone experiences bad breath at some point, usually after eating a meal full of garlic or drinking a large cup of coffee. For most people, all you need is a breath mint or a tooth brushing session and your breath is as good as new! Unfortunately, there are people who suffer from frequent bad breath, also known as halitosis. This can be a sign that you may be experiencing an issue with your oral or overall health.
Causes of Bad Breath
All too often, patients assume regular bad breath is a common occurrence and it is anything but common. There can be a number of reasons you may be experiencing bad breath, such as:
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the leading causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. When food and bacteria are not properly removed from your mouth by brushing and flossing, it can cause an unpleasant odor. Dental decay that remains untreated can also be a culprit.
Gum Disease
Although gum disease does not have a large number of warning signs, one of the signs is bad breath. Similar to issues with dental decay, the buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline and between the teeth create breath issues and cause inflammation and infection.
Medical Condition
If you have excellent oral health but still experience frequent issues with bad breath, your body is giving a warning that there is a problem somewhere in your body. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, kidney or liver disease and sleep apnea, can change the smell of your breath. Illnesses like strep throat, a sinus infection, and bronchitis can also lead to breath issues.
If you find yourself continuously experiencing issues with halitosis and it does not appear to be caused by poor oral hygiene, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a dental examination. If any conditions are noticed, treatment can be scheduled as soon as possible. If oral health isn’t a concern, another medical specialist can be recommended.
For more information, you can contact Dr. Michael Krochak at:
drk@nycsmilespacom
NYC Smile Spa
30 E. 60th St., Rm 1201
New York, NY 10022
(212) 838-2900
