Bad Breath Causes and Treatment
There are few dental problems that can be as embarrassing and cause a person to be as self-conscious as bad breath. Also called by its medical name, halitosis, bad breath can be a chronic condition that causes a person to be shy about being around others, due to fears about offending the other person with their bad breath. While there are many potential causes of bad breath, the condition is most commonly the result of poor dental hygiene or the foods we eat.
Luckily, there are several effective treatments for bad breath. The staff at our La Jolla cosmetic dentistry practice is dedicated to helping our patients reduce bad breath and treat the condition to prevent it from returning. Our La Jolla restorative dentistry specialists can evaluate your individual medical condition and recommend the best treatment for getting rid of your bad breath.
Causes of Bad Breath
A leading cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Failing to brush or floss teeth regularly can allow food particles to remain inside the mouth. This can promote bacterial growth around the gums, on the tongue, and in between the teeth. Over time, these odor-causing bacteria can result in bad breath.
In addition to poor dental hygiene, other common causes of bad breath include:
Foods we eat, such as garlic and onions
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Gum disease
Yeast infection of the mouth
Poorly fitting dentures or other dental appliances
Dry mouth (also called xerostomia)
Diabetes
Chronic acid reflux
Kidney disorders
Pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections
Bronchitis
Chronic sinus infections
Bad Breath Treatments
Bad breath can be effectively treated with some simple steps. Practicing good oral hygiene can be the most effective treatment for bad breath. By brushing the teeth after every meal and flossing daily, most of the food particles and odor-causing bacteria can be removed, reducing or eliminating bad breath.
Other common treatments for bad breath include:
Regular dentist visits – at least twice a year for professional teeth cleanings
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
Drink plenty of water – this keeps your mouth moist and prevents bacteria
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva production
Keep track of the foods you eat or medications you take and eliminate those you suspect are causing bad breath
If you are suffering from bad breath and want to get rid of the embarrassing condition once and for all, we encourage you to contact our La Jolla cosmetic dentistry specialists. Our cosmetic dentists are trained in diagnosing and treating halitosis and can help determine the cause, as well as effective treatments, for your condition. Don’t let bad breath cause you unnecessary stress or worry. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact Us