Thursday, October 22, 2009
We’ve all experienced trash-can mouth — when your breath gets so stinky you wish your tongue couldn’t taste. But why is it that sometimes our breath smells less-than-fresh?
Photo illustration by Kirsten Hudson
Bad news breath: Offending odors can be caused by plaque bulidup, dry mouth and certain foods.
The most common cause of bad breath is just not cleaning your teeth properly, says Kelly Miller, dentist at Lawrence Dental Solutions, 545 Columbia Drive.
Food particles left sitting in your mouth and tartar and plaque buildup from not brushing can lead to this putrid predicament. Dry mouth also causes bad breath. Constant, lingering bad breath could point to a bigger problem, though — it could be a symptom of gum disease.
You also better watch what you eat if you want fresh breath. Certain foods that produce sulfur-containing gases, such as cabbage, onions and garlic, cause noxious breath.
If you just can’t rid yourself of muck-mouth, blame your genes. Certain people are more susceptible to the bacteria that cause bad breath, Miller says.
To prevent bad breath, don’t rely on mouthwashes — they just temporarily mask odors, Miller says. Prescription mouthwashes can reduce bacteria that cause bad breath, but most over-the-counter brands won’t work. Stick to daily flossing and brushing (don’t forget your tongue!) and regular dental check-ups to keep your breath smelling sweet.
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