The cause of bad breath is most commonly bacteria and their waste products, in fact around 90% of people with bad breath have the root of their problem in bacteria. Bad breath is also known as halitosis. Chronic bad breath can be a source of constant aggravation due to its social implications. More often than not bad breath is easily curable but proper oral hygiene is a key element of a good bad breath cure.

       The cause of bad breath is volatile sulfur compounds caused by the bacteria growing in your mouth. When you think of a rotten egg, what you are smelling is sulfur. Having that smell associated with your mouth is not something that anyone wants. But there are other chemicals that can be released by bacteria in your mouth, such as: putrescine, methyl mercaptan, skatole and cadaverine. Luckily there are a number of things you can do to prevent bad breath.

       One possible cause of bad breath is gum disease. When the bacteria in your mouth have gotten under the gums around your teeth, it can cause an infection which will in turn cause halitosis. Proper gum care when considering oral hygiene is important. It is also important to brush and/or scrape the back of the tongue if you want to get rid of bad breath. The top of the tongue is one of the largest breeding grounds for bacteria in the mouth.

       If you would like to learn more about the cause of bad breath and how best to stop it for your situation, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team has over 45 years of combined dental experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule a consultation with our Atlanta cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, please call us at 404-874-7428.