man and womnan posing

Big, Bad … Breath—What’s the Cause?

Ever feel self-conscious about your breath? Sometimes, no amount of brushing, flossing, or mouthwash will mend the problem. If you consistently struggle with bad breath, it is a good idea to talk to a Brookline, MA, dentist for advice. However, there could be some tricky things going on in your mouth that are contributing to the big, bad problem. Take a look at a few common causes of halitosis (bad breath).

Lack of Proper Hydration

If your mouth is dry, you have a greater chance of having bad breath. When you drink water, you are washing away part of the food particles and bacteria in your mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Therefore, a lack of proper water intake can easily mean heightened bacteria in your mouth and more issues with undesirable odors.

Certain Medications

Taking certain types of medications can lead to problems with bad breath. A few of the most common culprits include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Antidepressants
  • Sedatives
  • Diuretics
  • Certain vitamins and supplements

Certain medications can cause bad breath, but many simply cause your mouth to be drier, which contributes to breath odors.

Oral Infection

If you have an abscessed tooth, periodontal infection, or even a throat infection, this can cause issues with bad breath. This is one reason why it can be so important to talk to your dentist if you have ongoing problems. Dental or oral infections can be serious and put the health of your smile and body at risk.

Talk to a Brookline Dentist About Bad Breath

Bad breath can have you second-guessing whether you should speak or open your mouth at all, and dealing with this daily can truly take a toll on your mental health. Are you dealing with bad breath? Be sure to reach out to a Brookline dentist like Gary Login DMD to schedule an appointment.