When you have healthy teeth, your gums are more than likely healthy also. A healthy mouth can contribute to a healthier you overall. What if you are doing everything right for your oral health, but still have bad breath?
What actually causes bad breath?
Bad breath is also called halitosis. It is associated with a number of causes which may include poor hygiene, poor diet, gum disease, dry mouth etc. The causes of bad breath can also be various bacteria and other diseases. Bad breath can also arise from the excessive use of coffee, tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and other overly spicy and acidic foods.
In order to cure it, it is important that you discover the cause.
What are the symptoms of halitosis?
One of the main symptoms of bad breath is bad breath or bad taste in your mouth upon awakening in the morning. Dentists often diagnose halitosis based on a person’s medical history and mouth odor during a dental examination.
The entire mouth is checked to see if the cause can be found. If your dentist fails to find the cause, they may refer you to other doctors.
Treatment
In order to reduce bad breath, it is necessary to find the cause and treat it. If your bad breath is thought to be caused by an underlying medical condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your primary care physician.
Whether the cause is dental or related to another health condition will require research.
What dental measures can be included to treat halitosis?
Mouthwashes and pastes
If bad breath is caused by the accumulation of bacteria (plaque) on the teeth, a mouthwash that kills bacteria may be recommended. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that causes plaque build-up.
Brush and floss more often
Plaque, a sticky deposit on the teeth, collects bacteria that cause bad breath. Food that gets trapped between the teeth can be a problem.
When it comes to brushing, don’t overdo it, and when it comes to flossing, you should do it in the morning and in the evening.
Rinse your mouth
Mouthwash provides additional protection and at the same time get rid of bacteria. Be sure that the mouthwash you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash every day, paying the most attention to it before going to bed.
Be sure to scrape your tongue
What builds up on your tongue can do a lot to collect bacteria that affects your bad breath. As such, they can bring big problems and need to be removed.
You can buy a tongue scraper separately and you can also buy it together with a toothbrush to make it more convenient to use.
Watch what you eat
Everything you put into your body can cause a problem with bad breath. So, ingredients like onions, garlic, meat, and other spicy foods can be disastrous when it comes to your breath. You should eat as many vegetables and fruits as possible so that your breath is fresher and the health of your body and therefore the health of your teeth and gums will be healthier.
Visit your dentist
If you are not sure what is causing your bad breath, it would be best if you visit your dentist to get to the root of the problem. The solution may be as simple as getting a dental cleaning, using a special rinse, or using a different toothpaste.
Your dentist can assess any oral health problems and may refer you to your family doctor or a specialist if the problem is related to factors other than your teeth. Call our office to schedule an appointment if you think you are suffering from halitosis.
