Bad Breath Treatment
You’ll read about one hundred and one ways to cover up bad breath or halitosis odours. Do they work? Unless it’s just a matter of covering up the smell of garlic or onions on your breath, they probably won’t. The only way to get rid of bad breath permanently is to discover its cause and deal with that.
What Causes Bad Breath
There are many reasons why you might be suffering from the embarrassment of bad breath. Some, like eating strong-smelling foods or smoking, are obvious. Others are less easy to pin down.
- If you don’t clean your teeth or your dentures properly, bacteria will breed and multiply. The bacteria cause food particles to decay, leading to odour problems.
- Gum disease is related to poor oral hygiene. In this instance, the bacterial toxins irritate the gums while causing unpleasant odours.
- A yeast infection in your mouth is another possible cause of halitosis.
- Some people suffer from a condition called “dry mouth” in which the salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva. Saliva helps to wash away dead cells. When it doesn’t, they decompose and give off a smell of decay.
- Tooth decay is an obvious cause of bad breath. Remember that you will not necessarily experience pain during the early stages of tooth decay.
- Finally, there is a range of illnesses, including kidney and liver problems, that can cause bad breath. If your halitosis is not of dental origin, your dentist will refer you to the appropriate medical practitioner.
Stopping Bad Breath with Help from Your Dentist
Just as there are many things that cause bad breath, there are also many ways to treat it. Your dentist will examine you to see whether your teeth or mouth are to blame for the problem. If you have cavities or gum disease, treating them is the first step towards fresh breath.
A great many people do not brush or floss their teeth properly. Often, it’s not a case of a lack of willingness to do so, but a matter of being unfamiliar with the correct technique. A dentist or oral hygienist can give your teeth a thorough, professional cleaning along with the tips you need to keep those smelly bacteria at bay.
When it comes to putting a stop to bad breath, your dentist is the first person to visit. If there’s no dental reason for the problem, you should see a medical doctor. Your dentist will know when it would be wise for you to do so and will inform you accordingly.
You’ll also get other advice such as which antibacterial mouthwash you can use. Some mouthwash products are acidic and can damage your teeth, but your dentist will know which ones give good results without causing damage.
Don’t Let Bad Breath Get You Down – Get to the Cause
When we feel ill, we are quick to go for treatment, but bad breath is more than just a problem that will affect your social life. It could be a symptom of something far more serious than a garlic-laced dinner.
People who are close to you may be the first to notice that you have halitosis. If they tell you about it, you can be sure that they are only trying to help. Make an appointment with your dentist and get to work on the problem!