At Niagara Peninsula Orthodontics, we strive to help patients throughout Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and the surrounding areas achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. But in addition to providing high-quality orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign, we also believe that patient education is vital to a lifelong healthy smile. Bad breath is one of the most common dental problems, but for many people, the cause is a mystery. We all know that onions and garlic can leave a pungent odor mixed into our breath – but what causes bad breath outside of the foods we eat?
Back to the Bacteria
Outside of pungent foods, the main cause of bad breath is naturally-occurring bacteria that live in our mouths. These bacteria break down residual food particles in our mouth into sugars and acids, and as a byproduct of this process, some producing gases. For most people, it's these gases that cause bad breath: the byproduct of millions of bacteria in your mouth breaking down microscopic amounts of residual food.
For most people, bad breath is an intermittent issue that's easy to solve by brushing teeth or with a breath mint. However, for others, bad breath can become a more serious, chronic issue. Chronic bad breath is called halitosis, and it's normally a sign of a broader underlying condition. If you suffer from chronic, persistent bad breath, oral hygiene is the first step – but if that still doesn't work, you can always contact us for help.
Contact Your Beamsville and Fonthill, ON Orthodontist
The best way to guard against bad breath is through consistent oral hygiene and a healthy diet, but if you're still suffering from halitosis, you may need dental treatment. Reach out to your dentist or contact us today to learn more about your options for treating bad breath. And remember, the straighter your teeth, the easier they are to keep clean: so don't forget that orthodontic treatment can help as well. Interested in achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile through orthodontics? Schedule your consultation online today!