It can be embarrassing to notice, or be told by someone, that you have bad breath. When this problem turns out to be persistent, it is important to examine the cause. Chronic bad breath is often linked to an untreated oral health condition. Let’s look at the causes of the problem and explore why it is important to see a dentist when bad breath is chronic.
Temporary bad breath: a normal phenomenon
Temporary bad breath is generally caused by diet or the consumption of certain substances that can give an unpleasant odour to mouth emissions.
First, certain foods cause deposits to form on the teeth, which oral bacteria thrive on. These bacteria then break down food residues and release sulphur-like compounds that noticeably affect breath odour. High-protein foods like meat, and carbohydrate-rich foods like white bread or crackers are prime examples. Dairy products are another category of foods that cause bad breath, as their amino acids are broken down by bacteria, also resulting in an unpleasant mouth odour.
Temporary bad breath can also be caused by the digestion of certain foods, such as garlic and onions. The sulphur compounds they release during digestion pass from the bloodstream to the lungs, producing unpleasant odours through the mouth when breathing.
Finally, there is a phenomenon known as “hunger breath,” linked to fasting for a more or less extended period. Due to reduced saliva production, bacteria can proliferate more easily in the oral environment and release unpleasant odours.
These phenomena, while undesirable, are temporary. Simple dietary changes or a good hygiene routine are usually enough to eliminate bad breath.
Chronic bad breath: the importance of an examination
When bad breath is chronic, it is essential to look into the possible causes of the problem. A visit to your Brossard dentist is the right first step.
It is important to understand that the proliferation of bacteria in the oral environment — their presence in large numbers and their multiplication — can cause bad breath. These bacteria break down food residues and release volatile compounds that produce unpleasant odours. The more bacteria present, the more these compounds are released…
Here are some possible causes of chronic bad breath:
- The presence of one or more untreated cavities.
- Gum disease in its more advanced stages (periodontitis).
- Damaged fillings or restorations, such as a crown.
- Insufficient saliva, since saliva naturally neutralizes bacteria.
These problems, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as painful infections. It is therefore of primary importance to seek professional help when chronic bad breath is noticed. The team at Clinique dentaire Taschereau is here for you in Brossard!