There are a lot more people suffering from bad breath than you think. The medical term for bad breath is known as halitosis or fetor oris. Surveys show that it affects about 25% of the general population. Bad breath can be a cause of anxiety and embarrassment, but it is easily treated in most cases. If you or your loved one suffers from oral related halitosis and you would like to know more about its treatment, read on…
What causes bad breath?
The main symptoms of halitosis (bad breath) is when there is odor coming out of one’s mouth that is considered beyond the socially acceptable level. The odor can get worse in the morning or after meals. Here are some typical causes for bad breath:
- Eating certain foods such as garlic or onion.
- Poor oral health care.
- Incorrect way of brushing and flossing.
- Improper cleaning of dentures.
- Odor-causing bacteria on the tongue.
- Periodontal disease.
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia).
- Take medicines that can cause dry mouth.
- Using tobacco products.
- Health related issues (Diabetes, Gastrointestinal disorder, Respiratory infection).
What are the treatments for bad breath (halitosis)?
Treatment for bad breath mainly depends on the root cause of the issue. Therefore it is important to get yourself checked if you are concerned about having bad breath. Here are some ways your dentist can help you with your halitosis problem:
- Poor oral health care:
Whether it is from the wrong brushing technique or the lack of cleaning and flossing, poor oral health is usually the case for most people who suffer from bad breath. If the problem is caused by improper dental hygiene, your dentist can easily book you an appointment to do cleaning or a deep cleaning on your teeth. You can also ask for recommendations on how to properly clean your teeth from your dentist as some people have a unique arrangement of teeth set.
- Gum disease:
Gum disease can be painful and one of its main symptoms is bad smelling breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition usually requires immediate care by a professional as it may interfere with your eating habits. Gum disease may be treated by your dentist or a specialist, a periodontist. You will be given treatment known as periodontal cleaning that helps remove bacteria and tartar or plaque buildup that is causing the inflammation within the gumline.
- Extensive plaque buildup:
Plaque buildup usually happens over time and turns into tartar if not treated soon enough. Plaque is the soft and sticky film that builds where your teeth and gums connect. It contains millions of bacteria. Your dentist or periodontist will usually recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help with thoroughly removing plaque buildup. Brushing your tongue each time you brush your teeth is also one of the steps recommended by your dentist to help remove odor-causing bacteria.
If you are in Stamford and you are looking for a treatment to treat oral related halitosis (bad breath), we at Stamford Dental Spa have trained and highly experienced professionals that can provide you with the proper dental care you and your loved ones need. Give us a call at (203) 324-7777 to book an appointment.