Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath, and many people likely face it at virtually any time. In addition to the potential conditions causing it, bad breath can also seriously impact one’s social life, impacting self-confidence and perhaps even leading one to avoid certain social situations.
Despite the embarrassment and frustration you may feel, there are steps you can take to tackle the problem. Finding effective treatment, making lifestyle changes, and looking for professional dental care will help you say goodbye to bad breath for good.
What Is Halitosis?
As explained, halitosis is the condition of having persistent bad breath.[1] Having bad breath from time to time is perfectly normal. However, you may notice that your breath smells, even right after brushing, no matter what you do.
Dealing with it all the time is a serious oral health issue, in addition to a sign of other general health problems. These can point to sinus infections, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. As such, if you’re dealing with seemingly unending bad breath, bring it up during your visit to your dentist’s office so they can determine whether further evaluation is necessary.
Common Causes
A variety of factors can cause halitosis, poor oral hygiene being among the most prominent. You must brush and floss twice daily to remove food particles and bacteria contributing to bad breath. Brushing your teeth also helps remove plaque deposits that harbor additional bacteria.
Gum disease is a condition where bacteria infect your gum tissue, which could be another reason your breath smells. Mouth odor is the top symptom of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, which over 50 percent of adults experience.[2]
Dry mouth is another major contributor to bad breath. If you wake up with a parched mouth, you lack sufficient saliva production. Although external factors can cause dry mouth occasionally, if it is a regular occurrence, it could be a sign of a salivary gland problem or related to other medical conditions.
Lastly, persistent bad breath can also be caused by certain foods in your diet. Certain foods, such as onions and garlic, contribute to bad breath. If your diet contains large amounts of these or other foods, they could be the primary reason for halitosis.
Steps You Can Take to Freshen Your Breath
Some simple steps can improve bad breath, including improving your oral hygiene. Ensure you brush your teeth properly and consider adding items like tongue scrapers to deal with bacteria accumulation.[3]
Various products can also help freshen your breath, but you need to make healthy choices. For instance, chewing gum is a great choice, but you’ll need to make sure the gum you choose is sugar-free.
Changing your diet can go a long way to improve bad breath. You should also consider eating more raw vegetables while avoiding particularly pungent foods. The water content and fiber help wash away bits of food left behind, improving oral hygiene.
Additionally, you should drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth throughout the day as it washes away bits of food and bacteria.
Getting Help From Your Dentist
Although you should visit your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile, they can also help you address concerns about your bad breath. Routine dental cleanings remove plaque contributing to bad breath, and your dentist can identify signs of gum disease or other issues that may potentially cause it.
Gum disease is among the top reasons for halitosis.[4] If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist can provide various treatment options depending on how advanced your gum disease might be. For instance, they may conduct a deep cleaning that removes bacteria in gum tissue pockets. Spotting the condition early can make treatment much easier and more effective, so don’t skip over regular dental checkups.
Taking the Best Approach to Tackle Halitosis
You don’t have to live with halitosis. Instead, you can take action against it with advice and treatment options from your trusted local dentist at Empire Dental Care. Schedule an appointment today by calling 585-671-1650 or contacting us online.
Sources:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17771-bad-breath-halitosis
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554590/
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17771-bad-breath-halitosis
