Bad breath can be embarrassing and frustrating. That’s why it’s so important to maintain great oral health. At Total Health Dentistry in Cold Spring, Kentucky, Rachel E Gold D.M.D. and her team specialize in a wide range of services, including general dental exams, dental implants, and root canal therapy. They also strive to help all of their patients maintain their oral health on a daily basis.

Here are the top five causes of bad breath from the root canal therapy pros at Total Health Dentistry:

• Poor Dental Hygiene: First and foremost, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. This will help eliminate unwanted bacteria and plaque and will keep your breath fresh throughout the day. Skipping your morning brushing session or forgetting to floss can lead to bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth.
• The Foods You Eat: Everyone knows certain foods cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing will only temporarily mask the smell of these potent food items. They won’t be fully eliminated from your body until the food is absorbed into your bloodstream and then expelled through the lungs.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke is not only unhealthy for your lungs, it can cause unpleasant breath as well. If you are a smoker, talk to your dentist. They can suggest ways to help you quit.
• Dry Mouth: If you suffer from dry mouth or a decreased flow of saliva, this may lead to bad breath since saliva helps to cleanse the mouth of bacteria. If dry mouth is an ongoing issue for you due to the medications you take, consult your dentist for options.
• Delayed Teeth Cleaning: Have you seen your dentist lately? Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning is important for your overall hygiene. If it’s been a long time since your last visit, you may notice bad breath due to bacteria and plaque buildup.

If you live in the greater Cold Spring area and you’re looking for a top-notch dentist who specializes in general dental exams, dental implants, and root canal therapy, call Rachel E Gold D.M.D. at Total Health Dentistry today at (859) 441-1230 to schedule your next appointment. To find out more about their services, be sure to check out their website.