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A common question we get in our dentist office in Oxon Hill is, “What causes bad breath?”

There are many causes of bad breath, also called halitosis, and some are serious while other causes are not. But with the help of Oxon Hill Dentist Dr. Peter Merai, diagnosing and treating bad breath is something that can be easily done.

Here are a few reasons why you or a loved one may be experiencing bad breath:

• Foods Containing Pungent Oils

Foods such as garlic and oninos contain oils which may be tough to cover up. The odors can last up to 72 hours so be sure to use mints, gum (sugarless of course) and rinses.

• Routine Illnesses

Colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections all cause mucus to get trapped in our mouths, throats and noses, which causes bad breath. If your sinus infection, sore throat, cough or cold doesn’t clear up in a few days you should consult your physician.

• Dry Mouth

When you have a dry mouth, dead cells are then able to accumulate on your gums, tongue and cheeks. Morning breath is perfectly normal due to lowered salivary activity at night and those who snore, mouth-breathe or take certain medications are prone to a dry mouth.

• Smoking

Smoking dries out your mouth and the smell of tobacco isn’t pleasant either. Kicking the habit is a great way to get rid of your bad breath, along with decreasing your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

• Chronic Diseases or Conditions

Many serious disease such as lung infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, GERD, anorexia, bulimia and others can cause very specific types of halitosis.

• Poor Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease

These are the most common causes of bad breath and here at our Oxon Hill Dental office we can usually treat them quite easily. But gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits as well as a lack of routine dental visits, can do much more than give you bad breath so don’t wait too long in contacting Oxon Hill Dentist Dr. Peter Merai and his team.

• Food accumulation on your tonsils

Sometimes food particles that are chemically changed by saliva accumulate on the tonsils. They appear as small white or yellow particles that often have a terrible smell. They can be removed with a Q tip but if you can’t see them well it’s best to have a dentist remove them.

If you have any questions about this or any other topic concerning you or someone you care about, please feel free to give us a call at 301-567-9844. Fort Washington Dentist Dr. Peter Merai and his fantastic team are here to help you!