Bad breath can be a product of your diet, or it can be a sign of a problem. Knowing the causes of bad breath and what to do about it can help you take care of your oral health. If you have bad breath, your dentist in Monticello, NY, can help. Here’s what you need to know about bad breath.

Bad Breath Causes

There are numerous causes of bad breath, so some people have a hard time understanding why they experience it.

• Diet. Some foods are more likely to cause bad breath. Foods like garlic get into the bloodstream after they’re consumed, and this causes bad breath.
• Dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away food particles in the mouth. If you have a dry mouth, you are more likely to experience bad breath.
• Periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection that causes bad breath.
• Cavities. Cavities are caused by tooth decay. Bacteria in the cavity can cause bad breath.
• Poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth should make your bad breath go away. If you don’t brush your teeth frequently enough, you may have bad breath all day.

When to Be Concerned

If you’ve brushed your teeth and your breath still smells – and you’re not able to link your bad breath to a cause like garlic or onions – this could be a sign that you have a problem like gum disease. Talk to your dentist to find out what might be causing your bad breath.

Contact Your Dentist

If you think you might have a dental problem, ask your dentist about it during your next dental checkup at Monticello, NY. Call today to make your appointment.