We know you may think this is strange, but your breath is a strong indicator of your overall health. In the same way that your teeth, gums, and even skin can tell us a lot about the rest of your body’s physical condition, your breath is also the canary in the coal mine for the rest of your health.
This article will cover some of the major issues that we can surmise from your stinky breath, along with how to fix them.
What’s That Smell?
Snoring is a big contributor to bad breath. Sleeping with an open mouth causes bacteria to grow, which will certainly give you morning breath. This makes flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash before bed even more important to help fight tooth decay.
Gum disease is also a big contributor to bad breath. This probably isn’t a big surprise if you think about it. Usually, gum disease will smell kind of metallic, which is a telltale sign for us that there’s a problem under the gum line. Keeping your gums healthy requires regular hygienist visits for cleaning, x-rays, and an exam from Dr. Hadley.
Acid reflux is a problem that actually contributes to all kinds of health disorders, including bad breath. It happens with the contents of your stomach float back up the tube that connects your stomach and throat. It can make your breath smell sour and acidic. If you have acid reflux, talk to your doctor right away.
Diabetics often have breath that can be characterized as fruit smelling. If you notice this condition it may mean your body is having a hard time producing insulin. Have a conversation with your physician to find out more about this disease.
A cold and flu can cause bad breath, including if you’re on some sort of medication to alleviate the symptoms. Once the cold is gone, your breath should improve.
Dehydration means your body won’t produce enough saliva to wash your teeth, which is the body’s natural way of reducing bacteria on the teeth. That bacterium can make your breath smell stinky.
Kidney failure or other internal issues can cause your breath to smell bad. Kidney failure can make your breath smell fishy and foul.
Good Oral Hygiene is an Indicator of Your Overall Health
The simple point to remember here is that your breath and oral health is the overall barometer for your overall physical health. This is why visiting Dr. Hadley’s office regularly for a checkup is so important.
While regular flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash is so important to your oral health, there is nothing that takes the place of regular checkups with your dentist. We can detect the minute signs of periodontal disease and tooth decay before it begins to cause problems.
If you haven’t made your six-month preventative check-up with Dr. Hadley’s team, there is no time like the present to take better care of yourself.
The tools we use in modern dentistry can help diagnose and treat illness but can also help spot pre-cancerous conditions or other disorders that can make a big difference in your health. You’re worth it. Contact us today.