Why Bad Breath Should Be Taken Seriously

While most people go to the dentist for oral health issues like chipped teeth, cavities, or loss of teeth, some don't always see the dentist when their breath stinks. Unfortunately, halitosis or bad breath can be a window to more serious health problems. Super dentist Dr. Kami Hoss shares in this blog post the reasons people must take bad breath seriously.

For most folks, waking up with morning breath means nothing more than a dry mouth due to a full night's sleep, as the mouth produces less saliva during sleep. Although, having morning breath throughout the day may mean something else. People with bad breath may have underlying health issues such as diabetes, asthma, renal failure, and gut problems. Those with high levels of nitric oxide in their breath may suffer from asthma. In addition, high levels of acetone suggest a person may have diabetes, and people with excessive ammonia in their breath may suffer renal failure.

It's incredibly important for one to take note of how their breath smells. According to If Your Mouth Could Talk author and super dentist Dr. Kami Hoss, persistent bad breath may result from gut problems such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux. Seeing a dentist or a general physician can help pinpoint the cause of halitosis. Common causes of bad breath include oral infections, metabolic disorders, sinus problems, respiratory infections, and tonsil issues. All these conditions require medical attention to prevent unwanted progression.

Among children, bad breath may be caused by gastrointestinal issues, nasal cavity problems, viral or bacterial infections, and poor oral hygiene. Adults and kids must follow positive oral health habits such as brushing at least twice daily, flossing more than once, and healthy eating. Regularly seeing a dentist is also paramount to keeping the mouth in perfect health. Should bad breath persist following a dental checkup, a dentist may recommend a patient to see a general doctor for a full workup.

Dr. Kami Hoss is the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He organizes a free dental day for kids who may not afford to get regular dental treatments. For more on Dr. Hoss and his practice, head over to this page.