Halitosis is bad breath that just won’t go away. It happens often, not just when you eat garlic or forget to use mouthwash. This condition can be very distressing for those who suffer from it, and it can even bother the people around them. Luckily, there are tips you can try to lessen the issue, and you can collaborate with your dentist to find a solution.

How to Work with Your Dentist to Crack Your Halitosis

Causes of Halitosis

There are many different causes of halitosis. One that you need to watch out for is dental issues. Cavities and the effects of gum disease can cause bad breath because they create hard to clean places in your mouth where bacteria can hide. Make sure to visit the dentist to get these issues checked and repaired.

Another regular cause is dry mouth. Saliva does a great deal for your oral hygiene. It rinses extra food residue from your mouth, cleaning out sugars and bacteria that can cause cavities. When there’s nothing to keep your mouth irrigated, bacteria accumulates, causing bad breath and other issues.

Preventing & Treating Halitosis

First, brush your teeth, gums, and tongue twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. You should floss once per day, too, and it doesn’t hurt to try using mouthwash regularly. What you eat and drink can affect your breath. Consider avoiding alcohol, onions, garlic, and soda. You can also eat more fruits and vegetables while drinking more water. If you have dry mouth, you can try sucking on sugar-free mints throughout the day to help you produce more saliva.

If these methods don’t work or you’re still concerned, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can help you rule out a serious problem and give you more ideas. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may recommend artificial saliva, and if you have gum disease, they might suggest scaling, which cleans plaque below the gumline.

If you’re dealing with halitosis, consult the dedicated dentists at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. Their team has years of experience and offers teeth cleanings, fillings, and non-surgical gum treatments. They’re a practice and can happily treat your entire family. Visit their website or call (907) 278-2521 to schedule your first appointment.