Why Do I Have Bad Breath and How Do I Treat It?
If you’ve been battling with bad breath, a condition known as halitosis, you are not alone. Almost everyone experiences not-so-fresh breath at one point. The good news is that a few lifestyle changes and some help from your dental team at High Street Dentistry will ensure you enjoy fresh breath and a healthy smile!
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Most cases of halitosis result from poor oral hygiene practices. Without regular brushing and flossing, harmful odor-causing bacteria flourish and grow on the teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. Foods such as garlic and onions can also cause unpleasant breath.
Other factors contributing to bad breath include smoking, dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and poorly fitting dental appliances. It can also result from the use of some dry mouth-causing medications and medical conditions, including diabetes, respiratory tract infections, acid reflux, tonsil stones, sinusitis, and postnasal drip.
How Can You Manage Bad Breath?
The first step in eliminating bad breath is maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Don’t forget to clean your tongue, dentures, bridges, or mouthguards because bacteria and food debris may build up, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
Cutting down on foods such as onions and garlic and quitting smoking will also help eliminate mouth odors, as does drinking plenty of water. If you have a dry mouth, sucking on hard candy or chewing sugarless gum can help.
How Do You Treat Bad Breath?
If lifestyle changes don’t eliminate your bad breath, it’s time to schedule a dental visit. Your trusted team at High Street Dentistry will work with you to uncover the underlying causes of your bad breath. If you have tooth decay, gum disease, or dry mouth, treating these oral health problems may result in fresher breath.
We may recommend a visit to your healthcare provider to rule out any health concerns that may be contributing to your bad breath. Swapping medications, if possible, may also help.
We always recommend maintaining routine dental exams twice a year to prevent the onset or progression of dental problems that may result in bad breath. Our goal is to maintain healthy, confident smiles!
Bad Breath Treatment Near Me
Visit High Street Dentistry in Jefferson City, MO, to learn more about preventing and treating halitosis. Our team will help determine the source of the bad breath and create a fully personalized treatment plan to eliminate your concerns and give you the confidence to be up close and personal! Call us and schedule your appointment today!