The Dentist in Colorado Springs Answers: What Could Be Causing Your Bad Breath? PART 1

This three-part article series provides an overview of the various factors, ailments and conditions that could be causing your breath to turn sour.

Let’s face it… there’s nothing quite as unattractive as halitosis. You could be a cover girl for Maxim Magazine or a ramp model for Giorgio Armani, but if your breath pongs, no one’s going to want to hold a conversation with you. One of the better-known causes of bad breath is pungent food such as onions and garlic. But, according to a dentist in Colorado Springs, there are a great variety of factors that can cause one’s breath to sour. In this three-part article series, we shall be providing an overview of these factors.

The Causes of Bad Breath

1. Oral Hygiene (or a Lack Thereof)

In almost every case of halitosis, the cause is related to oral bacteria. These microorganisms use the food debris left behind in your mouth to fuel their growth and proliferation. But just like every living organism that eats, they too produce waste products and these tend to contain stinky sulfurous compounds.

“The patients who brush and floss their teeth regularly and thoroughly should not suffer from halitosis and should, for the most part, have clean and pleasant breath,” explains a Colorado Springs dentist. “Good oral hygiene is integral in the removal of the bacteria and bacterial wastes that lead to plaque accumulation and bad breath.”

2. A Decayed Tooth

“Another cause of halitosis is tooth decay, which also tends to be a result of poor oral hygiene and a diet that consists mainly of sugary and acidic foods and beverages. But decay isn’t always the result of neglecting one’s oral hygiene. It’s not uncommon in children who are making the transition to adulthood to struggle with a particularly tenacious milk tooth. The exposed pulp chamber of the loose tooth offers bacteria an excellent environment in which to multiply, away from the roving bristles of their toothbrush. Consequently, the tooth can begin to decay,” explains the dentist in Colorado Springs.

“We generally recommend to parents that they invest in an anti-bacterial mouthwash (ADA-approved, alcohol-free), which their child can use while one or more of their teeth are loose and coming out. Alternatively, pop down to your Colorado Springs dentist and he or she will be more than happy to whip out the offending tooth – pain-free, of course.”

3. Gingivitis and Periodontitis

“Gingivitis and periodontitis are two stages of gum disease and bad breath is a symptom of both,” explains the dentist in Colorado Springs. “Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is characterized by red, inflamed and tender gums. If left without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is an advanced oral bacterial infection of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. People with gum disease can experience, amongst other unpleasant symptoms, a persistent bad taste in the mouth and chronic bad breath that comes back soon after brushing.”

“Gum disease destroys healthy teeth and the jawbone tissue and ligaments that support them, causing tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss. By improving your standard of oral hygiene and seeking regular professional attention and cleaning from your Colorado Springs dentist, you can help to protect your mouth against the ravages of this disease.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series to find out more about the different causes of halitosis, or bad breath.