Bad breath—everyone has suffered from it at one time or another. Most of the time, it can be contributed to poor oral hygiene; however, it may also be indicative of a more serious health issue. If you’re suffering from this embarrassing issue, Lisa Valderueda D.M.D. Inc of Waipahu, HI, stresses the importance of proper dental care in between cleanings and exams to maintain pleasant-smelling breath and avoid a slew of oral and other health problems.

If you suffer from bad breath, check out the following contributing factors:

• Improper Dental Hygiene: Failing to take correct care of teeth and gums means food particles remain in the mouth and contribute to plaque. This sticky white film causes gingivitis and gum disease in addition to foul-smelling breath. Gingivitis and gum disease cause bad breath as well. Left unchecked, plaque forms tartar, a hard white substance only your dentist can remove.
• Cigarettes: Using tobacco products is a sure path to bad breath. Cigarettes, cigars, and oral tobacco products also significantly increase your risk of gum disease.
• Dry Mouth: Dealing with dry mouth is another reason for bad breath. Dry mouth occurs during the night, resulting in the dreaded “morning breath” when we awake. However, chronic dry mouth may be the result of certain medications or other issues that result in insufficient saliva production. Saliva washes away odorous bacteria.
• Food: Breaking down food in the mouth also means an increase in bacteria. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, cause bad breath more than others do.

Don’t let bad breath happen to you! Ensure correct oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly, and make healthy diet choices. If bad breath persists, schedule an appointment with family dentist Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D. Inc. For more on the dental care services available through this family dental clinic, call (808) 676-5711 or visit the web site today.