Are You Suffering From Bad Breath? Treating Chronic Halitosis…
Halitosis (bad breath) can be a serious concern for both adults and kids. In most cases, if not all, the culprit is likely poor dental hygiene and tooth decay. Although we can easily facilitate extractions, root canal treatment and a variety of other possible means of getting rid of the cause of bad breath, proper diet and dental hygiene remains the main tool for fending off this uncomfortable problem.
What Causes Halitosis (Bad Breath)?
There may be several potential causes for this problem, all of which could lead to something more serious, if not addressed:
- Sometimes it’s a simple matter of food particles from foods such as garlic or onions causing the problem. In this case, halitosis is temporary, and can be countered through basic oral hygiene.
- In certain cases, conditions such as acid reflux can also lead to the same problem. Respiratory infections and other medical conditions may have to be addressed by a certified physician.
- Smoking can lead to the onset of bad breath. Smoking, also ties in to impaired oral health, and can aid in creating problems with your teeth and gums including oral cancer.
- The main culprit, however, is poor oral hygiene. When it comes to bad breath, dentist support is the best cure, since it is the number one way to tackle problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis or bacteria hiding in cavities.
Halitosis Treatment Options
To fight the problem of bad breath or halitosis, most of the time you can’t simply use mints and toothpaste. When it comes to treatment and prevention, you have to exercise proper oral health by flossing beneath your teeth, brushing your teeth and gums, cleaning your tongue and making sure to pay particular attention to the area where your gums and teeth meet. If the problem doesn’t disappear through simple coping and prevention, we recommend that you visit our clinic for a full checkup. We can detect and address the underlying causes of halitosis such as tooth decay or gingivitis and address them instead of just tackling the symptoms (bad breath).
Questions About Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Q: I don’t have bad breath (yet). How do I keep my teeth healthy to prevent it?
A: Quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet, use sugar-free gum, and cut down on drinks and foods that contain large quantities of sugar. Regular dental check ups and cleanings (every six months) is also recommended.
Q: Can you recommend any products I can get, such as toothbrushes or toothpaste?
A: We’d recommend that you choose either an electric toothbrush or a smaller toothbrush with soft, synthetic bristles. Also, be sure you replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
Q: What happens if you identify gum disease as the cause of the problem?
A: As long as you visit our dentistry clinic for checkups, we can keep track of your progress and identify problems like gingivitis in their early stages, and you’ll find that mild forms of gingivitis that may be a cause for halitosis can still be reversed with daily brushing and flossing.
Scheduling a Free Smile Assessment
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with gum disease, it is vitally important that you contact us to schedule an appointment and thorough examination of your soft tissues. We can fully evaluate your periodontal conditions, and if detected in its early stages, you’ll find that gum disease is reversible and preventable.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.