Eight things that your breath can reveal about your overall health

Your breath can tell a lot about your health, and is more than just a nuisance. If you notice continued and chronic bad breath problems, it may be due to an underlying medical condition or a sign that oral health and wellness habits are lacking. Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR are pleased to educate patients on what bad breath can reveal about one’s health.

• Poor oral hygiene. Bad breath may be a sign that food particles and debris are building up in the mouth and are becoming a serious problem. Patients should take note of this issue and improve it with brushing and flossing after every meal.
• Consumption of fast food or processed meals. Many patients who indulge regularly in processed foods or drive-thru meals and at a higher risk of developing bad breath than those who eat a more healthy, balanced diet high in fresh foods.
• The presence of periodontal disease or tooth decay. If you have been avoiding the dentist, you may notice your bad breath progressing. It is important for patients to see their dentist every six months for an evaluation and cleaning, and to monitor one’s oral health.
• You experience dry mouth. Low levels of saliva and saliva flow in the mouth can contribute to bad breath, though this may also be a side effective of certain medications or caused by dehydration.
• Postnasal drip. If you have a cold or are dealing with allergies, you may notice increased postnasal drip. This mucus can cause bad breath when it is present on the tongue or when it mixes with natural bacteria in the mouth. Seek treatment with effective medications and make sure to properly brush and floss after each meal to reduce the presence of bad breath during this time.
• Heartburn/acid reflux. Many adult patients deal with acid reflux or heartburn after enjoying some of their favorite foods. This reflux can result in bad breath over time, especially if the stomach bacteria H. pylori makes an appearance.
• Smoking. Tobacco can cause a wide range of problems, including persistent bad breath as it can dry out the mouth, irritate the gums, and leave behind a bad odor.
• indication of a more serious medical problem. Sometimes, the persistent bad breath may indicate a more serious problem somewhere else in the body. Changes in breath odor may indicate issues such as kidney failure, liver failure, and certain cancers of the lungs or stomach.

Call Hiebert Smith Dental Group today!

Patients in the Saint Helens, OR area who are ready to improve their oral health and address bad breath are invited to book a consultation visit with Drs. Hiebert and Smith today! Call (503) 397-6144 and visit us at 1550 Saint Helens Street. We accept new patients and families into our facility for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.