For those who have bad breath, this condition can be a source of anxiety and embarrassment. As anyone can have bad breath, store shelves are filled with breath-freshening products such as mints, mouthwashes, and gums. But a lot of these products only provide a temporary fix as they don’t address the underlying issue.
Bad breath or halitosis can be due to certain health conditions, foods, and habits. Often, proper oral hygiene can help eliminate bad breath. But if self-care is not enough to address the problem, a visit to a cosmetic dentist in Lawrenceville, GA may be the best thing to do.
What to Know About Halitosis
If you have halitosis, you normally have bad breath. Identifying the underlying issue is often the initial step to address bad breath. A dentist can diagnose halitosis. Your medical history and mouth odor during a mouth examination will be used to diagnose the condition. If your dentist cannot determine the issue, they may refer you to a specialist.
Reasons You May Have Bad Breath
Halitosis is usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Below are the common causes of this condition and how to manage them:
- Tonsil stones. These calcified pieces of bacteria are lodged in your tonsil’s small pockets. Tonsil stones form because of plaque and dirt accumulating in your throat pockets, often induced by food. Such calcifications are teeming with bacteria, creating bad breath. Your dentist may recommend proper brushing and the use of mouthwash to wash particles away. Also, you can use soft tools such as a cotton swab to push any formed stone out of the small pockets. If this does not work, your dentist can perform surgery to seal the space in your tonsils and prevent an infection.
- Dental cavities. These are teeth holes that result from tooth decay. Dental cavities form when mouth acids erode your enamel. The bacteria that live on food bits or sugars may stay in your mouth after you eat or drink and produce acids that eat away at your teeth surface. Bacteria and cavities in the mouth can cause bad breath.
- Dry mouth. Your saliva helps clean your mouth by getting rid of bad-breath-causing food particles. Bad breath may follow if the production of saliva slows or stops. This condition is called xerostomia, which happens while you sleep. Additionally, dry mouth can result from prescription medications. Dry mouth and slow saliva production allow microorganisms to thrive in your mouth and cause bad breath.
- Bad habits. Tobacco products can cause bad breath and lead to more severe dental health problems. They do not just make your mouth smell but also damage your gum tissue, resulting in gum disease. Also, you can experience bad breath when you consume alcohol in excess since this can reduce saliva production, which offers the ideal environment for the bacteria that cause bad breath to flourish.
Dealing with Bad Breath
Maintaining good oral health practices is key to dealing with halitosis or bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is your best option. This removes food debris stuck in your mouth’s crevices. Also, flossing will get rid of plaque between your teeth.
If you want to use mouthwash, you have several options to choose from. Different people who have different conditions require certain varieties, so consult your dentist for proper guidance.
Moreover, bad breath due to underlying issues can be treated by managing the root cause. Your dentist can advise on the steps to take to solve the underlying problem. Aside from educating you about your oral health issues, your dentist will provide guidance on how to improve your oral and overall health.