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Are you familiar the term halitosis? If not, we have news for you! Halitosis is more commonly known as bad breath. Having consistent bad breath can be embarrassing and make it hard to talk to others in a personal or professional work environment. That is why, our team here at Covington Dental Partners in Covington, Georgia, is happy to help you with understanding the triggers of halitosis and where they come from, so you can be properly treated.

Did you know, halitosis can be caused by several different things? Well, it’s true! Some ways include:

-Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a health condition where your body is not producing enough saliva to wash away bad bacteria or food particles in your mouth. This condition can cause bacteria or foods to linger and become stinky.
 
-Bacteria: In a nutshell, there are thousands of different kinds of bacteria that can live in your teeth and gums without proper care.
 
-Gum disease: Gum disease is a common and serious condition that can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and even bone loss. If you have bad breath consistently, you could be suffering from gum disease and need to get it treated and reversed as soon as possible.
 
-Tobacco: Tobacco is dangerous to your health and can cause a host of problems for you like cancer. Tobacco in any form is a natural irritant to your health and gums, which can cause bad breath and the bacteria can be sticky, putting your health at risk for many problems and concerns.
 
-Medical conditions: There are many different overall medical conditions that can create halitosis, including medications that offer this side effect. That is why it is important to be sure to tell your dentist, Dr. Sterling Whitworth about any medications you are taking, so you can get the proper treatment you need.
 
-Food: We all know some foods or treats like garlic, onions, and other spices and flavors can leave our breath in foul shape. As a result, make sure you rinse your smile out after eating, and brush regularly can help against halitosis from these triggers.
 
As you can see, there are numerous reasons bad breath can attack your smile, which is why it is important to receive regular oral health checkups every six months. Having a regular checkup can eliminate several oral health problems like cavities and halitosis, so you can keep your smile in excellent oral health condition possible. If you have questions or would like to set up a consultation, please call us at 770-786-9339, so we can answer your questions and keep your smile clean and fresh.