Halitosis, or bad breath, affects over 60 million people in the United States alone. If you’re one of them, your dentist can help. Nizich Family Dental in Juneau, AK, provides comprehensive exams and treatment plans to promote your oral health. Below, their dental staff explains the most common causes of bad breath and how to remedy it.

How to Treat These Causes of Halitosis

1. Oral Hygiene Habits

Brushing and flossing your teeth removes bacteria from your mouth. When you skip the nightly teeth cleaning, your breath suffers. To keep your mouth smelling fresh, brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. You should also pay special attention to your tongue, as it can hold billions of bacteria on its surface. Use a soft-bristle brush or tongue scraper to keep it clean.

2. Your Diet

The foods you eat can give you bad breath temporarily. Even after you brush and floss your teeth, some of the odor may linger because the food is still passing through your body. Examples of strong-smelling foods include onions, garlic, and fish. You can use mouthwash to cover the odor, but you may want to avoid certain meals before participating in an important meeting.

3. Medical Condition

When bad breath can’t be remedied with proper oral hygiene, an underlying medical condition may be the cause. Your dentist can help you with the diagnosis; possible culprits are gum disease, cavities, a yeast infection, or dry mouth disease. Respiratory illnesses can also cause bad breath. If there is an underlying cause for your halitosis, your dentist will diagnose and treat it or refer you to a specialist.

If you notice your breath isn’t as fresh as you’d like it to be, schedule an appointment with a dentist. The staff at Nizich Family Dental will provide you with the quality care you deserve. This family dentistry practice sees patients of all ages and is happy to educate you about proper oral hygiene. View their website for more information on their services, or call (907) 789-7001 to make an appointment.