Are People Running the Other Way When You Open Your Mouth?

If people have been covering their noses or turning the other way when you talk, it could be time to schedule an appointment with your Glendale Dentist, Dr. Kenneth Bogdon.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is something that more than 80 million people deal with, and that is just in the United States alone. Bacteria that originate usually cause chronic bad breath from your tongue and gums, with poor oral hygiene being the pain culprit.

According to your Dentist in Glendale, bad breath could be caused from physical problems such as kidney failure, diabetes, or liver malfunction. If you smoke or drink alcohol, you could be contributing to the problem. Eating spicy or odorous foods like onions and garlic could also be causing your halitosis. Spicy foods can be detected on your breath even after it is digested. Onions can actually be absorbed and extracted through the lungs and skin. 

Discovering where the odor is coming from is something that your Glendale Dentist will look for during a dental checkup. If you are undergoing any kind of cancer treatment where dry mouth is an issue that could be part of the problem. According to your Dentist in Glendale, excessive dieting, hormonal changes, age, and snoring could affect the way your breath smells.

When it comes to halitosis, saliva is the key as it helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Morning breath is caused by the slowing down of your salivary glands creating that lovely smell that is usually present when you get out of bed in the morning. You can get rid of morning breath by brushing your teeth as soon as you get up followed by a good breakfast. If you are in the habit of skipping breakfast, your morning breath could suddenly reappear, even after you have brushed.

If you are in good physical health, but still suffer from halitosis, schedule an appointment with your Glendale Dentist who will be able to determine if your bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. If that is the case, Dr. Bogdon may schedule a deep cleaning that includes scaling and planing.

Oral health begins at home, and that means brushing twice and flossing once a day. Rinse your mouth after you eat and don’t forget to clean your tongue after you brush your teeth with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. Chewing sugarless gum can also help with halitosis.

The best defense against bad breath is oral health, and that includes regular checkups with your Dentist in Glendale. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bogden today.

Glendale Dentist Discusses Bad Breath

By maintaining proper oral-health routines daily, you'll be able to eliminate bad breath.  Dr. Kevin Bogdon is a leading dentist in Glendale, CA.  Our entire team strives to provide you with the care and tips necessary to maintain proper oral health at all times. 

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. If you’re concerned about bad breath, call our Glendale dental office for an appointment. Bad breath can be caused by a number of sources, and he or she can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment. 

What causes bad breath?

• Food. What you eat affects the air you exhale, like garlic or onions. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food can remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.  Eating healthy foods at all times.  
• Gum disease. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease; which is caused by plaque.
• Dry mouth. This occurs when the flow of saliva decreases and can be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Without enough saliva, food particles are not cleaned away. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy or increase your fluid intake.
• Smoking and tobacco. In addition to staining teeth and being bad for overall health, tobacco can add to bad breath. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
• Medical conditions. Some diseases have symptoms related to bad breath. Sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and some liver or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.

If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see Dr. Bogdon in Glendale, CA. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease or dry mouth. Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care physician.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss. Brush your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

It’s important to note that mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist.

Feel free to call or Glendale dental office with any more questions.