If you suffer from bad breath, you likely need to make some lifestyle changes. This embarrassing condition is clinically known as halitosis. It can affect almost every aspect of your life. Bad breath, or halitosis, is usually a clear sign that you are suffering from an underlying oral health issue. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a dentist who helps her patients attack bad breath in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
In addition to treating many dental concerns, we have solutions for patients with bad breath. Short-term causes of bad breath include foods like garlic and onions. Brushing, flossing, and drinking enough water may be enough to eliminate bad breath from foods. However, bad breath is often connected to dental problems. Our office will help you treat chronic bad breath and your dental problems.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath is caused by bacteria that grow in your mouth and produce odor. While it can stem from certain foods, taking certain medications, or certain illnesses, the most common cause is a lack of proper oral hygiene. In most cases, bad breath is a sign of an underlying oral health problem such as gum disease.
Common causes of bad breath include:
- Smoking or any tobacco use: Tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes contain chemicals that mix with saliva to create bad breath. Smoking and using tobacco can also increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. This means that bacteria and the tobacco products themselves lead to halitosis.
- Gum disease: A gum infection breaks down the natural gum tissue over time. As gum disease worsens, bacteria break down the gum tissue, and the gums recede. The harmful bacteria that damage the gums create bad breath.
- Tooth cavities: A cavity is a hole in the tooth enamel caused by tooth decay. Like gum disease, bad breath is a common symptom of tooth decay. Harmful bacteria rot the teeth, which creates a foul odor.
- Thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth): Oral thrush is a fungal infection. An imbalance of good and bacteria in the mouth from thrush causes bad breath. Thrush can also create a bad taste in your mouth.
- Dry mouth: This condition occurs when there is not enough saliva. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria that contribute to tooth and gum disease and halitosis.
- Dental restorations that do not fit properly: Food debris can collect under a loose dental bridge or denture. As this trapped food breaks down, it creates foul-smelling breath.
Treating Bad Breath in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Finding a dentist who can help you discover the root cause of your bad breath is the key to treating it. Dr. Duling is an expert dentist who can identify and treat most dental concerns, including bad breath.
The first step is to schedule a consult with Dr. Duling at her dental practice in Owens Cross Roads, AL. She will complete an evaluation and discuss your lifestyle habits to determine the cause of your bad breath. She offers many types of effective treatments to treat halitosis.
We may need to coordinate care with your doctor since many other causes of bad breath are unrelated to oral hygiene. Certain medications can contribute to dry mouth and a higher likelihood of infection. Dr. Duling will consider your medications and medical conditions when providing treatment.
Your treatment may include in-office procedures and at-home care. In addition to your regular daily routine, we may recommend these treatments for bad breath:
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Treatment for Dental Cavities
- Special Rinses
Regular dental visits are sometimes enough to keep bad breath in check. At these visits, we provide professional cleanings to remove bacteria from the teeth and gums. During scaling, we can remove the bacteria contributing to tooth and gum infections.
How Can I Treat My Bad Breath At Home?
In addition to these dental treatments, Dr. Duling may suggest that you get in the habit of using a tongue scraper daily. This may help eliminate the extra built-up bacteria in your mouth. Harmful or odor-causing bacteria can collect on the tongue. If you don’t brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper, bacteria on the tongue can lead to chronic bad breath. A strict oral hygiene routine is the best way to combat halitosis.
A toothbrush is an essential tool that you should use every day. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, if you suffer from bad breath, you may want to do it more often, like after every meal. Ensure you brush for two minutes, thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums.
Additionally, you need to floss daily. Flossing before brushing will dislodge food particles stuck between your teeth. When you brush after flossing, decay-fighting ingredients in your toothpaste can reach the gums and space between teeth.
You should also replace your toothbrush at least every three months. Over time, toothbrush bristles can wear down, and bacteria can collect on the brush, contributing to bad breath. Regularly replacing your toothbrush will keep your breath fresh. Drinking water daily can help treat dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath. Proper hydration helps increase saliva production and improves breath. If you have temporary bad breath, having mints or minty foods can help neutralize odors.
Other necessary steps to treating bad breath involve visiting your dentist every six months. A routine dental exam is the only way to catch a dental problem that may be causing the halitosis. Your dentist can also tell you if you do not clean your dental restoration and recommend the proper way to care for it.
Bad Breath FAQs
Everyone experiences bad breath. Sometimes, it’s a common cause; other times, it’s a more serious issue. The answers to these commonly asked questions can help you learn more.
What can stop bad breath quickly?
One of the best ways to neutralize bad breath is to drink water. It removes bacteria in the mouth and helps wash away food particles. Mouthwash, sugar-free breath mints, and gum are also good options. Breath spray and strips are both instant solutions for bad breath.
Why do I have bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene. Ensure you brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. This includes brushing your tongue, which can hold many bacteria. If you have clear aligners, clean these properly, too. If you have good oral hygiene and still have persistent bad breath, it may be a bigger problem.
Is there a permanent solution for bad breath?
While mints and mouthwash are temporary solutions, they aren’t permanent treatments for bad breath. The only way to treat chronic bad breath is to visit the dentist. We need to determine the underlying cause. It may be gum disease or a stomach condition that requires further treatment.
What’s the best medicine for bad breath?
One thing the dentist may prescribe you is an antibacterial mouthwash. Bacteria in the mouth often cause bad breath and oral odors. These mouthwashes help to control the bacteria level in your mouth, lessening the chances of bad breath.
What do I do with bad breath caused by my stomach?
One of the most common causes of bad breath caused by the stomach is acid reflux. With this condition, stomach acid makes its way up the esophagus and can reach the mouth. Doctors must treat this with medications. If we believe this is the case, we’ll refer you to a local doctor if possible.
When should I be concerned about bad breath?
If you diligently care for your oral health and still experience frequent bad breath, it’s time to see a dentist. We’ll evaluate your condition and determine how best to treat your chronic bad breath, which can be a sign of more serious conditions.
Get Fresher Breath Today
Bad breath is a condition that can affect your entire life. Do not hesitate to seek treatment from Dr. Duling for bad breath in Owens Cross Roads, AL. She can help you improve your oral health and your quality of life. Call our office today to book your appointment at 256.202.4186 or schedule an appointment online.