Bad breath is an issue that many people face, with as many as 30% reporting that they deal with persistent bad breath. However, this isn’t something that just happens at random. Understanding what causes bad breath can help you take action to deal with the unpleasant odor.

1. Dental Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque and tartar buildup are serious bad breath causes. They can result in long-lasting and strong bad breath that few remedies seem to fix, even in the short term. Plaque is a buildup of bacteria on your teeth that eventually hardens in tartar, and this material allows more bacteria to thrive and grow.

As those bacteria grow in greater numbers, they produce the unpleasant odor typical to this type of bad breath. Unfortunately, hardened tartar can’t simply be cleaned away with regular brushing. At this point, only professional teeth cleaning from your family dentist can remove it.

What can you do to prevent plaque and tartar from building up in the first place? Keeping up with your brushing and flossing routine is essential, as it removes bacteria before it can form plaque and tartar.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can eventually lead to consequences like tooth loss. However, it starts slowly and develops over time. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it is typically defined by the persistent bad breath that goes with it.

Bacteria in your mouth can infect gum tissue and penetrate below the gum line, where they can continue to grow and multiply. The higher levels of bacteria produce more of a distinct, unpleasant odor.

If you have persistent bad breath, it is likely a good idea to visit your dentist to determine whether gum disease may be an issue. Treatment for early stages can be very straightforward, often only requiring lifestyle changes or closer attention to oral hygiene. If gum disease develops too far, however, you may need oral surgery to treat it properly.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Are you brushing and flossing like you should? The best bad breath remedy is preventing it before it begins, and sticking to a solid oral hygiene routine will help immensely with prevention. Regular brushing and flossing will manage bacteria and remove bits of food stuck on and around teeth, two major sources of bad breath.

You should brush your teeth twice each day, making sure to brush for around two minutes each time. Don’t try brushing faster or harder to save time, as that can actually damage your teeth. It’s also vital that you floss at least once a day. When you do so, try to reach all the gaps between individual teeth.

Take Action on Bad Breath Today

If you’re looking for how to get rid of bad breath, visiting your dentist is the best place to start. Regular teeth cleaning prevents many of the issues that cause bad breath, and your dentist can identify other potential problems. Pinnacle Dentistry is your dental home for all types of care, so book your next appointment today to get started.