How Can We Treat Bad Breath From Our Mouth?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem caused by a wide variety of factors. Although halitosis is usually not life-threatening, it can be embarrassing and negatively impact your life.
What Is Morning Breath and Why Do You Have It?
Most people are affected by morning breath, and it is often caused by a lack of saliva in the mouth. The mouth produces enough saliva to remove food particles, allowing the odor-causing bacteria to grow. However, when you are asleep, the saliva production slows down, and the bacteria grows and produces sulfur compounds which can cause the mouth to smell.
What Causes Bad Breath?
If you have bad breath, it may signify another underlying medical condition. Periodontal disease is the primary cause of bad breath is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and tissues surrounding your teeth. Gum disease can affect the supporting tissues, leading to bone and tooth loss. If the periodontal disease is not treated, it can cause other problems. It is crucial to visit a periodontist near you for treatment.
Other common causes of bad breath include:
- Tooth decay
When the enamel is exposed to a weak acid, it becomes porous and can easily be dissolved. This makes the tooth susceptible to decay. Tooth decay can occur in any part of the tooth, but the most common location is the grooves between the teeth. Tooth decay can cause loss of teeth and affect the jaw. Visit an emergency dentist in Omaha if you notice lingering pain and swelling for treatment.
- Poor hygiene
If you do not brush properly and remove plaques, they can build up over time, eventually producing an odor.
- Dry mouth
A dry mouth can cause a bad taste and odor because it is less effective at removing food debris.
- Digestive troubles
Some people with chronic conditions have trouble digesting their food properly. This can create a buildup of food and bacteria in the mouth. You can also experience halitosis if you are dealing with another medical condition.
- Smoking
Smoking causes dry mouth and can lead to bad breath. In addition, smoking can damage the gums and cause gum disease, a common cause of halitosis.
- Medical conditions
Some medical conditions can give you bad breath. These include sinus infections, gum disease, diabetes, obesity, and poor oral hygiene. Visit a dentist in 68312 if you have any of these conditions.
How To Treat Bad Breath?
One of the best ways is to avoid the foods and habits that can leave you with halitosis.
- Get gum disease treatment.
Visit a Periodontist in Omaha, NE, for gum treatment to eliminate the accumulated tartar. This will eliminate the bad breath and prevent the spread of the infection.
- Brush your teeth after meals
Bad breath is normally caused by the buildup of odor-causing substances, such as bacteria or decomposition particles on the tongue or teeth. Brushing your teeth will remove the particles and bacteria, resulting in a refreshingly sweet scent.
- Use a mouthwash
A mouthwash may just be the product of choice when brushing teeth fail to work. A mouthwash destroys the germs and bacteria that create bad breath from the oral cavity and may just be the most convenient, time-saving, and discreet way to remove that problem.
- Chew sugar-free gums
Gum and mints are incredibly handy. These items can mask most instances of bad breath, so they are a favorite of most people. In addition, they can be a powerful breath freshener. After all, what better way to mask bad breath than to eat and chew something that emits a comforting scent.
- Foods
Even though this sounds crazy, these three foods are great for dealing with halitosis. Saliva is produced when we eat these crisp foods, causing a decrease in bacteria. Foods like apples, carrots, or celery can help remove the debris stuck in the teeth.
- Professional cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning can help remove accumulated plaques, reducing odor and the risk of gum disease. Visit Dr. Michelle Chang regularly for cleaning.
How Can I Prevent Halitosis?
Halitosis can be prevented by:
- Brushing and flossing daily and using a tongue cleaner
- Get professional teeth cleaning
- Avoid smoking
- Eat healthy foods.
Schedule an Appointment
At Anding Family Dental, we offer several treatments, including halitosis, periodontal treatment, and teeth whitening in Omaha. Call us for more information.