If you have ever dealt with bad breath before, you know just how much that can affect your social and professional interactions with people. Washington DC cosmetic dentist Martin G. Abel and Dr. Shannon E. Abel have helped many patients at their office overcome issues related to bad breath. Right now, we’d like to take this moment to look at some of the most common causes of bad breath and show you what you can do to overcome a bad case of halitosis.

One common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. If you have food particles stuck between your teeth, this gives the bacteria a great environment in which to thrive. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day (ideally after every meal) and to floss regularly. Dry mouth can also make the bacteria in your mouth thrive, so be sure to keep well hydrated and to keep your mouth moist.

One place that bacteria in the mouth likes to congregate is the tongue. It’s estimated that somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of bad breath cases could be linked to bacteria on the tongue. To take care of this, be sure to pick up a tongue scraper to help remove the bacteria. Many people find tongue scrapers more convenient to use than toothbrushes when trying to keep their tongue clean.

There are some causes of bad breath that are not related to the mouth, however. For example, there are health conditions related to the throat, the lungs, and the stomach that can lead to bad breath. If you have taken good care of your dental hygiene and your bad breath still persists, it’s important that you consult a medial specialist so that these causes of bad breath can be properly addressed.

To learn more about bad breath treatment as well as other dental care options such as Washington DC teeth whitening, it’s important that you visit us in person. To schedule a consultation, contact our Rockville, Maryland cosmetic dentistry practice today.