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Halitosis, which is essentially chronic bad breath, is not only embarrassing but also troublesome. If simple remedies like improving your oral hygiene don’t help, it could be indicative of an underlying health condition. It could also be a sign that your lifestyle needs some adjusting. Either way, it’s wise to visit your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and exam. In the meantime, consider if one of the following could be contributing to your halitosis.

3 Common Causes of Chronic Bad Breath

1. Dry Mouth

Saliva rinses away food particles and bacteria, both of which can cause bad breath. As such, those with dry mouth are likely to have halitosis. Aging, certain medications, issues with your salivary glands, cancer treatments, and health conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s disease can contribute to dry mouth.

2. Tobacco Use

dentistSmoking or chewing on tobacco products can leave a foul odor in your mouth. With prolonged use, tobacco products can also cause oral health issues like gum disease, which are another culprit of halitosis. If you have chronic bad breath and happen to smoke cigarettes or chew on tobacco, combatting the issue could be as simple as quitting.

3. Various Medical Conditions

Gum disease isn’t the only health condition that can cause halitosis. In fact, some issues that don't affect the teeth, tongue, or gums at all can contribute to bad breath. Examples include certain kinds of cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease. For this reason, your dentist may advise you to see your primary care provider if there are no apparent dental issues causing your halitosis.

 

If you have chronic bad breath, turn to Patrick M. Pitts, DDS for diagnosis and treatment. Practicing out of Archdale, NC, this experienced dentist and the rest of his friendly staff know how to put patients at ease from the moment they walk through the door. Whether you need a simple teeth cleaning or dental implants, you can be sure you’ll receive attentive and compassionate care from start to finish. To make a dentist appointment, call (336) 431-0002 or reach out on their website today.

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