Bad Breath Or Halitosis
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read Bad Breath Or Halitosis by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. Unfortunately, some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. They can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. In addition, food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue, and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Other Factors To Examine
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
Medical Disorders may have bad breath as a symptom. Such infections may include respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailments. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Tips For Better Breath
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. In addition, let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. See your dentist if you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor. If you need extra help controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. In addition, a fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
Ready To Learn More?
If you want to learn more, schedule an appointment with us at Grove Smiles Dentistry of Coconut Grove, FL. Our team, led by Dr. Stephen J. Parr, has over forty years of experience helping the Coconut Grove community restore and revitalize their smiles and oral health.
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
