Health Highlights | Bad breath
There are few things more embarrassing than bad breath.
Whether it's that look on your significant other's face when they smell it, or that unpleasant odor coming from a stranger chatting you up at a party, bad breath can cause a little anxiety for everyone involved.
Bad breath is common. One in four adults have had it at some point in their lives. It can also be chronic.
According to Breanne Gendron, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare, some people don't even know they have bad breath due to a condition called olfactory fatigue, which is when people lose their sensitivity to odors.
“Bad breath can be a totally benign thing, and you just need to brush more, or it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. If you are someone who has bad breath despite regular like twice daily brushing and flossing, then it would be important for you to see your dentist to make sure everything's healthy on the inside of your mouth,” Gendron says.
Gendron adds in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing is also extremely important. She says brushing at bedtime is the most important time of the day.
Key Takeaways:
- Bad breath is common - one in four adults have it at some point.
- The key to preventing bad breath is good dental hygiene including brushing twice a day and flossing.
- If bad breath persists, visit your dentist. If everything checks out an appointment with your doctor may be in order.