Halitosis / Bad Breath

Halitosis

Does bad breath frequently cause you embarrassment? Your dentist can help you overcome halitosis – the medical term for bad breath – through education, dental treatments or a referral to a physician. The first step to getting to the root of your halitosis problem is to make an appointment to see your dentist.

Teeth and Gum Problems Can Be the Cause

If your teeth do not pain or have any dental issues, you may never want to see a dentist. However, to maintain ideal oral health, you must have regular dental checkups. The laidback attitude may lead to cavities or gum disease that will leave you with a mouth odor. With a simple examination, your dentist can find any teeth or gum issues that need to be corrected. In many cases, this is all that is required to eliminate halitosis.

Routine Cleanings Help, Too

When you see your dentist for a routine checkup, you can also opt for professional teeth cleaning to maintain oral hygiene. Plaque, tartar, and germs can make your mouth and breath smell unpleasant. Your dental hygienist can clean it all away and leave your mouth fresh.

Teeth Cleaning Equals to Morning Shower

You wouldn’t think of going to work or school day after day without cleaning your body, would you? If you did, people would start to hold their noses after a few days. The same thing can happen when you don’t care for your teeth properly. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you are having trouble with bad breath, ask your dentist for a demonstration of brushing and flossing to make sure you are doing it in the most effective way.

When Halitosis Comes from the Food You Eat

Onions, garlic, and other foods can cause halitosis in some people. Chewing is only the first step of digestion, but the smell remains until the food has passed completely out of your body. Experiment with eliminating different foods from your diet to see if the problem goes away. And remember ordinary mouthwash only masks the odor briefly.

Treatments Your Dentist Can Offer

Your dentist can prescribe antibacterial mouthwash that works much better at eliminating bad breath than standard mouthwashes can. If the problem is more serious, you may need gum treatments or tooth restorations. Bear in mind that unhealthy teeth and gums may lead to other serious dental issues than halitosis.

Medical Problems May Be the Cause

It can be confusing to decide which doctor to see for bad breath as it could be a reason for some underlying medical issues. In this scenario, the best solution is to see your dentist first as he will rule out the possibility of any oral issue and treat the same.

If the bad breath persists, your dentist can refer you to a physician who will further check for problems associated with bad breath, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, respiratory tract infections, or chronic acid reflux. You might be surprised that a journey you began to overcome embarrassment can save your life.