The Lowdown on Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath
Bad breath and bad odors are incredibly embarrassing, especially if you’re the one dealing with the issue. While no one has minty breath all the time, chronic bad breath often indicates that you need more than some gum to freshen your breath. There are multiple causes of bad breath — or Halitosis. Nothing about this condition is attractive. Yet, most of us have experienced it at one point or another in life.
If you’re one of the millions of people – about 30% of the population — who experience bad breath on a daily basis, then you will want to understand more about the root of the problem. Maybe you are eating foods daily that don’t agree with your digestive system. Perhaps it’s something you are drinking or an infection or the medicine you are taking.
If you’re aware of the problem, then it’s good to know not only the cause but how to treat the problem so that halitosis won’t affect your personal and professional relationships negatively.
Discover how a leading dentist can help you eliminate foul-smelling bacteria.
Ready for no more bad breath and a transformative smile? Contact South Anchorage Dental Center today to book your appointment!
Key Causes of Bad Breath
When a breath mint and mouthwash won’t cut it, and you still seem to be struggling with bad breath, it’s time to better understand the causes behind this condition. Some people suffer from halitosis due to more than just simple garlic, onion, and food concerns. At times, there may be an infection or periodontal issue in your mouth that needs to be addressed.
Bad breath can originate inside and outside of your mouth and is most typically caused by bacteria on your tongue and teeth. And often it can be associated with poor dental hygiene, gingivitis, or gum disease. Your dental provider can ensure you know what it is that is contributing to your situation.
Some typical causes of bad breath include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dry mouth and decreased saliva production
- Bacteria on your teeth and in your mouth
- Food particles left on your tongue
- Tooth decay
- Bacterial infections
- Gingivitis or Periodontal disease
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Gert and gastrointestinal illnesses
- Metabolic disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Tonsillitis or a throat infection
- Respiratory illnesses including sinusitis or bronchitis
For many of these conditions, when there are significant symptoms in addition to bad breath, you should seek medical attention from a family doctor. For bacteria, hygiene, cavities, infections, periodontal charting, and other dental concerns, a professional dentist can help.
How Bad Breath Can be Quickly Addressed
Depending on the cause of halitosis or bad breath, you may just need to visit the dentist regularly every six months for cleanings, X-rays, and treatment of decaying teeth. This is important because the most probable cause of bad breath is usually bacteria.
The mouth is a warm, wet area, making it a breeding ground for millions of bacteria that can actively cause odors and concerns for your dental health.
Thankfully, a dental provider who cares about your best oral healthcare and smile can ensure your situation is treated. If there’s a more concerning issue medically, the right dental professional will provide recommendations for you. A leading dental service will also be able to treat more serious concerns in your mouth related to your teeth and gums.
Before you know it, your breath will be smelling fresh and restored. Here are some ways you can keep your mouth clean and odor free:
- Watch What You are Eating. Often, bad breath can be caused by regularly consuming bad odor foods like garlic and onions or foods high in acid. It’s good to eliminate those foods when you are concerned about your breath.
- Eliminate Smoking and Tobacco Use. Smoking and tobacco use, as well as drinking alcohol and high-odor drinks, will cause halitosis.
- Address Your Oral Hygiene at Home. A professional dentist can offer tips for cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue at home, in the morning, after meals, and at bedtime.
- Flossing and Rinsing. You should always remember to floss and be sure to rinse your mouth regularly with a dental-approved mouthwash that will help maintain good, quality breath.
- Pre-Schedule Your Dental Check-Ups. Regular visits to your dental professional will help ensure your teeth are professionally cleaned, examined, and that you have removed plaque and concerns from inside the mouth that cause halitosis.
- Be On-Board with Periodontal Charting and Evaluation. By preventing infection in the mouth that can lead to bad breath and even periodontal (gum) disease), you can help ensure your mouth is clean and healthy.
- Consider and Seek Medical Support. Seeing a doctor can help when you have issues other than dental problems that are affecting your overall well-being, like acid reflux, diabetes, sinus problems, or other issues that often cause bad breath.
You can consider health issues and your own home dental hygiene to address the causes of bad breath, but when you need professional treatment, we can help.
Why See Your Dentist for Bad Breath
A professional dentist will offer comprehensive attention and leading-edge dental treatments for you or your family as you need support for halitosis or other dental issues.
Services for You and Your Entire Family
- Cleanings. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping up with regular dental cleanings and dental exams are essential to a clean, odor-free mouth.
- Halitosis Evaluation. When you have these concerns, alert your dental professional and ask them to evaluate you or your family members for the probable cause of this condition and ways to eliminate it.
- X-Rays. Dental X-Rays can help display a better idea of what’s really going on inside your mouth and whether there are cavities or major concerns that could be causing halitosis.
- Fillings and Crowns. Fillings can be used where cavities are removed, and crowns can cover your tooth to prevent further bacterial infection, easing the odors in your mouth.
- Sealants. Dental sealants offer a plastic coating for your teeth to fill in concerning gaps while preventing plaque buildup on your teeth.
- Mouth Guards. Custom-fit mouth guards can be made to help prevent teeth-damaging issues like teeth grinding in your sleep. By preventing these concerns, you help to ward off infections.
- An Oral Cancer and Lymph Node Check. A dentist that provides care for your entire family offers not only simple dental repairs but also cancer screenings and lymph node evaluation.
- Restorative Services. A high-quality dentist can help with a wide range of services, including cosmetic and emergency treatments.
- A Dental Savings Plan. A professional dentist who offers in-house dental savings plans that can save you up to 20% on your treatments will help you and your family.
To address any problems like chronic halitosis, regular cleanings, cavities, periodontal concerns, and more, a family dental care provider can ensure that you are soon free of mouth odors and frustrating issues.
See SADC for the Best Treatment for Bad Breath
Causes of bad breath can vary from person to person, but 80% of the time, the odor usually comes from inside your mouth. That’s why you need the best treatment possible to address temporary and chronic concerns that can cause embarrassing moments.
A professional dentist like South Anchorage Dental Center which provides comprehensive support can help! We’ll make your time with the most comfortable possible, even including massage chairs to ease stress. Most importantly, we’ll provide you with quick treatment and help your breath smell amazing!
Ready for no more bad breath and a transformative smile? Contact South Anchorage Dental Center today to book your appointment!
