Having bad breath is a pain, and with a myriad of tools on the market to help cope with it, it can be tough to find the right one. There are many potential causes of stinky breath, so if you're going through this problem, consider the following three to find out which one is causing yours.

Sticky Plaque

Sticky plaque is a problem that typically develops in people who experience dry mouth or take certain types of medication. While all plaque is relatively sticky, you can tell if you have sticky plaque in the mornings. Take a look in the mirror while you open your mouth. If there are strings of what looks like thick spit connecting your upper and bottom teeth together or on your tongue, that's most likely sticky plaque.

Dealing with sticky plaque requires treating the base problem. If your sticky plaque is due to dry mouth, drinking more water or taking medication can help. If it's due to a medication you're already taking, talk to your dentist to find out if there's a way to counter its effects.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common cause of bad breath. When the gums are unhealthy, they often produce a smell, typically because of either a bad infection or a build-up of the bacteria responsible for gum disease.

Treating gum disease is easy with the help of a dentist. If you suspect that you have gum disease due to symptoms like bleeding, swelling, redness, or irritation, get help from a dentist to put your stinky breath to bed for good.

Tartar

Finally, if you haven't seen a dentist in a while, your bad breath may simply be due to a build-up of tartar.

Tartar is the more advanced form of plaque and can't be removed at home or by a non-professional. It requires seeing a dentist to use their scaling and ultrasonic tools to scrape and blast away the tartar on your teeth. It's a good idea to do so if you think that tartar is to blame for your bad breath, as it can also cause cavities and gum disease to develop. Either of these conditions can also contribute to poor-smelling breath, so try to maintain a regular schedule with your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.

If brushing, flossing, and mouthwash aren't enough to control your bad breath, it's time to seek help from a dentist. No one has to put up with this symptom, so don't force yourself and others to put up with the bad smell coming from your mouth. Talk to a dentist and get a full check-up to determine the exact cause of your bad breath and to find treatment options. Visit sites like http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com for more information.

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