Bad breath is a common yet difficult-to-discuss topic among adults. For many people, coming to the realization they have bad breath can feel embarrassing, and telling another person they have bad breath creates an uncomfortable situation. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you have bad breath on your own. Some people may not even notice the foul odor.
Bad breath, also commonly referred to as halitosis, can be due to a variety of reasons. Fortunately, however, there are ways to remedy bad breath with the help of our Gainesville dental team. Here, our dentist in Gainesville discusses the causes of halitosis and how to get rid of bad breath permanently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath is commonly regarded as a social faux-pas that can strain your relationships with others, cause disturbances with colleagues, and reduce your self-confidence. But halitosis is not just a social issue; it’s also an oral health problem. Halitosis can result from several causes, such as the following.
- Certain medications
- Infections of the mouth, nose, and throat
- Dry mouth
- Some cancers
- Head and neck cancers
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Periodontal disease (gum disease)
- Tooth decay
- Certain foods, like garlic and onions
- Complications of diabetes
- Renal failure
- Poor dental hygiene
- Tonsil stones
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Sjögren’s syndrome
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. When people avoid brushing, flossing, and visiting their dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings, harmful bacteria naturally present in the mouth grow and spread, multiplying out of control. This, then, can result in several dental and oral health problems, such as bad breath.
Can I Get Rid Of Bad Breath Permanently?
The best first step to getting rid of bad breath permanently is to identify the root cause of your bad breath. While gargling some mouthwash can remediate bad breath temporarily, it will not likely cure it or prevent it from returning. If you have bad breath that does not abate, schedule an appointment with your Gainesville dentist. If halitosis is a consequence of poor oral hygiene, an in-office procedure will help. If you have healthy teeth and gums, then the source of your bad breath may be connected with another area of your body.
Brush Your Teeth Often
Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis or bad breath. The key to maintaining a healthy oral ecosystem is preventing the buildup of plaque by brushing your teeth and gums using fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice each day (once in the morning and once at night). However, some patients require brushing after every meal in order to prevent tooth decay and bad breath. In addition to the teeth, bacteria can accumulate on the tongue and in between the teeth, causing a bad odor. Be sure to floss at least once daily.
Visit Your Gainesville Dentist
In some cases, bad breath starts in the mouth and can be treated with better and more regular dental hygiene practiced at home. In other cases, however, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious problem or condition. When you come to Comprehensive Dental Care, our dentist will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your halitosis and then create a special treatment plan, which can include periodontal therapy, root canal therapy, dental fillings, or other in-office dental procedures customized to your unique needs.
Boost Your Hydration Levels
The human mouth has natural, beneficial bacteria that protect the teeth from erosion. The mouth also has a significant amount of harmful bacteria that cause smelly dental plaque to form and accumulate. The best way to flush away foul odors from built-up bacteria is to boost your hydration by drinking more water. Depending on your overall health and any health requirements you have, the amount of water you should drink each day may vary. Your dentist can provide you with an amount of water optimal for your needs.
Clean Your Tongue
Even if you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, you may still suffer from foul breath. Like your teeth, your tongue harbors bacteria, so carefully brushing it can help reduce odors. While you brush your teeth, you shouldn’t forget about your tongue. Brush your tongue, moving your toothbrush from the back of your tongue forwards. You can also use a tongue scraper. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner. Your dentist can provide you with a recommendation for your needs.
Clean Your Dental Appliances
For individuals wearing dental appliances, caring for these devices is integral to ensuring dental health and overall wellness. If you wear dentures or you have a removable dental bridge, be sure to clean them thoroughly. If you wear a mouth guard, dental retainer, or another dental appliance, you should make sure that you clean the appliance thoroughly each time before you insert it into your mouth. Your dentist can recommend a suitable cleaning product for your specific dental appliance.