If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you may feel a bit relieved at the social distancing and stay-at-home orders. Without face-to-face meetings, your co-workers will never know you are emitting foul odors from your mouth when you talk during your online meetings. But just because you are no longer self-conscious about your bad breath doesn’t mean it can be ignored. Bad breath is more than just a threat to your social acceptance, it can also be a warning sign that your oral health needs attention.

Bad Breath Begins with Bacteria

Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is more than just stinky mouth odors after eating garlic or onions. Halitosis can be an indication of bacteria buildup. We all have bacteria in our mouths. However, when oral bacteria is excessive or lingers for long periods of time, it can lead to a wide variety of dental health issues, including bad breath. In fact, when oral bacteria feeds on the sugars we consume, it produces a foul-smelling Sulphur compound – which sabotages fresh breath.

Halitosis, therefore, can be a warning sign of the following oral health issues:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Dry mouth
  • Untreated decay
  • Oral infection
  • Gum disease 

Your First Line of Treatment for Bad Breath

Since lingering oral bacteria is the culprit to bad breath, decay and gum disease, it is imperative that you do your part to eliminate this bacteria from your mouth each day. This is done by following a diligent oral hygiene routine. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day and flossing daily are the recommended guidelines for optimal dental health – and fresh breath!

If you are suffering from stubborn bad breath, check your dental care routine. Are you brushing long enough? Are you remembering to floss? Do you brush all surfaces of your tongue? Have you skipped your routine dental cleaning? Typically, patients can reverse bad breath and restore their oral health by giving their mouth some extra TLC.

While your bad breath may not be a leading concern as we wear masks, social distance and interact virtually, it is imperative that you recognize your halitosis as a valued warning sign that your oral care routine needs improvement. If your bad breath continues after stepping up your teeth cleaning efforts, it is time to see a dentist. At West Hill Family Dental, we proudly offer halitosis treatment to patients of all ages. A confident smile is a healthy smile!