None of us like to feel embarrassed or ashamed, but one issue that can cause us to have both emotions is when we suffer from chronic bad breath. When someone is around a person with bad breath, they may assume that they have very poor dental hygiene or just poor hygiene altogether. It may never occur to them that there could be an underlying issue causing bad breath. Yes, sometimes the smell is just from the broccoli or garlic you ate for lunch, but if you wonder what causes bad breath to become chronic, you have landed on the right blog.
It Can Be Serious
Most of the time, bad breath is not a severe issue. Of course, we recommend starting with your dentist. Schedule an appointment to talk to a hygienist at your next cleaning and make the dental team aware of your concerns regarding your bad breath. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth, mouth, and throat for any superficial issues. If there is nothing more serious going on, our recommendation is to carry peppermint or a small container of mouth wash to use after a meal. But what happens if the dentist detects something more severe?
More severe cases of bad breath can be caused by:
- Diabetes. Extra glucose in the mouth gives bacteria additional feasting opportunities, causing odor in your mouth and gums.
- Kidney or Liver Disease. Kidneys and Livers are the filters of the body; if these ‘filters’ become diseased, an infection can spread through your bloodstream and show up in the tiny blood vessels of your mouth. This bacteria in the blood can then cause bad breath.
- Tonsil Stones. These yucky little monsters can show up in the back of your mouth on the surface of your tonsils. They can be cream to yellowish in color and can become quite large. Because these stones sit in the back of your throat, they collect the bacteria from the food you eat, the germs from the air you breathe, and anything else that might be lurking in your mouth. Tonsil stones can become largely inflamed and hard. It is essential to see a dentist immediately if you notice these or start coughing them up when they get dislodged.
The Only Sure Way
While you can certainly go through life wearing your mask and breathing in your bad breath, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with a dental provider at Premier Dental Center Bulverde, as it is the only sure way to determine if something more serious is the cause. Our excellent dental hygienists and dentists can diagnose what may be causing the chronic bad breath and provide you with a plan of treatment. You don’t have to go through life this way, and we would be happy to care for your oral health.