Halitosis or chronic bad breath is a delicate and problematic oral health issue dentists treat regularly. If you’re concerned about your breath, what’s causing the foul odor, and how to manage the issue moving forward, here’s some helpful information to review. 

Understanding Halitosis

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be a result of a myriad of factors. For some dental patients, the primary issue is a poor oral hygiene routine, which allows unwanted bacteria and food debris to linger in your mouth and on your tongue.

Bad breath can also be related to habits like smoking cigarettes and your diet. Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, garlic, onions, and spices, are potent and cause bad breath as they break down. Other causes of halitosis can include dry mouth as not enough saliva is produced to wash away bacteria and food debris, taking certain medications, an infection in your mouth, chronic inflammation, or disease in your nose and throat. 

How Can Your Dentist Help You Overcome Bad Breath?

When you have concerns about your breath, it’s best to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment with your dentist. Express your fears so your dental team can assess the situations and ask you questions about your oral hygiene routine and lifestyle choices. To overcome lousy breath, your dentist may need to eliminate existing mouth bacteria and plaque buildup by treating you for tooth decay or gum disease.

Moving forward, it’s best to maintain a strict oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice a day. Brushing your tongue is also strongly encouraged. Your dentist will recommend drinking plenty of water, quitting smoking, and monitoring your diet, so you avoid triggers like onions, garlic, and coffee. Depending on your specific issues and needs, a dentist can also prescribe a mouth rinse to help kill unwanted bacteria and promote fresher breath. 

Are you concerned about bad breath and hoping to find solutions? If so, Stanley R McCardle DMD | Family Dentistry can help. Since 1992, this full-service general and cosmetic dentistry practice has helped residents throughout Henry County, AL, maintain healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment, call the office today at (334) 693-2112. For more information on their convenient location and friendly approach to dental care, visit this dentist online.