Regular checkups by dentists at Stoma Advanced Dental Care prevents not just decay, gum disease and mouth
cancer but helps control bad breath. This is the result of poor dental hygiene but
can also be a sign of other health problems. The medical term for bad breath is
halitosis.
You will need to work with a qualified dental professional for halitosis treatment
and to restore or improve your overall oral health.
Factors that affect bad breath include
Food
Bad breath is just a side effect of eating food with very strong odors, such as
garlic, onions, cheese, fish, and spicy foods. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
after eating these foods can mask the odor temporarily but your bad breath will
not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Bacterial growth between the teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue is the primary
cause of bad breath. If you are not brushing and flossing regularly, using a tongue
scraper to keep your tongue clean, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse on a daily
basis, your mouth could be full of bacteria that will cause bad breath.
Lifestyle Habits
Your daily habits and lifestyle could be contributing to halitosis. If you smoke
or chew tobacco- based products, you may always have bad breath. Smoking and chewing
tobacco-based products can also affect your taste buds and cause gum irritation.
Gum Disease
Persistent bad breath is one of the signs of gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal
disease. When there is excessive plaque buildup on the teeth, the bacteria will
create toxins in the mouth and will eventually start to irritate the gums before
breaking down the gum tissue and jawbone. When there is a living infection growing
and spreading in your mouth, you may have very noticeable bad breath.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Some other causes of bad breath include:
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Yeast infections of the mouth
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Poorly-fitting dental appliances
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Dry mouth
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Illnesses and diseases such as chronic sinus infections, respiratory tract infections,
diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems
Prevention
The best things you can do to prevent halitosis is to see your dentist regularly
for cleanings and make sure you get periodontal disease treatment as early as possible.
Other ways to prevent bad breath:
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Practice good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
and flossing regularly
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Have teeth professionally cleaned according to your treatment plan
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Stop smoking or chewing tobacco-based products
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Stimulate saliva flow in the mouth by drinking lots of water, chewing gum, or sucking
on sugar-free candy
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Maintain a food log to identify any foods with strong odors
If you are self-conscious or concerned about bad breath, set up a consultation with
your dentist. We recommend that you consult a dentist with experience in treating
halitosis and also determine whether any gum disease treatment is necessary to improve
your oral health.