There are numerous factors that can cause bad breath. Many of them are related to serious health issues such as gum disease, liver disease, diabetes, yeast infections, or cancer. Persistent halitosis can also be caused by bacteria on your tongue that can build up when your tongue isn’t cleaned regularly.
Our team at the Center for Breath Treatment can help treat bad breath, keeping your smile beautiful and fresh. If you’re battling persistent halitosis, you should contact the Center for Breath Treatment to arrange an appointment.
How Your Tongue Affects Your Breath
The key to your breath issues could be lurking in your tongue. That’s because bacteria and tiny food particles can get stuck in your taste buds, causing halitosis. The microbes that develop around your taste buds are sometimes called “bad breath factories” due to their particularly unpleasant smell.
The bacteria which cause bad breath are anaerobic, meaning they cannot survive around oxygen. That’s why you’ll find them in the harder to reach parts of your mouth, such as beneath the gum tissue or deep down in your taste buds.
Avoiding Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition that can exacerbate halitosis caused by anaerobic bacteria on your tongue. You can help prevent dry mouth by staying hydrated, so be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day.
Other factors that can contribute to dry mouth are smoking and the high consumption of alcohol as well as high fevers and other medical issues. Dr. Dailley can help provide a plan to treat and prevent these underlying conditions from causing dry mouth which can in turn be the cause of bad breath.
How to Clean Your Tongue
Your tongue is a good place to start looking to counteract bad breath. If your tongue feels “coated” with an unpleasant film, you can rinse your mouth with water or alcohol-free mouthwash to help give you a clean and refreshed feeling.
To help prevent bad breath, you should schedule regular dental appointments and practice effective dental hygiene every day. That means brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Try to do this right after eating if possible.
Your tongue is a major source of bacteria that cause bad breath, you should clean it every time you brush to help prevent bad breath. You can do this by using a small dab of toothpaste and gently brushing the top of the tongue. Start from the back and work your way forward. Some people use a device called a tongue scraper to clean their tongue. But remember to be gentle! If you notice any pain or bleeding, then you’re using too much force.
Your Halitosis Specialists in Berkeley
The Center for Breath Treatment is a renowned facility which specializes in treating halitosis. Dr. Anthony Dailley and his qualified team can help rid you of bad breath and give you back a fresh smile. Call today to arrange an appointment if you’re suffering from chronic bad breath. We’re here to help.