Having bad breath can be embarrassing. Don’t let yours take over your life. Just change your routine!
If you suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from halitosis in the United States. But what is causing your bad breath and how can it be helped? Well, let’s talk about it!
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis is caused by waste from the bacterium that is not removed from the mouth. It can also be caused by decaying food particles and poor oral hygiene. But before reaching for a breath mint, there are some things you should know about your bad breath.
What Causes Halitosis?
Certain types of foods, health conditions, and habits can cause bad breath. Foods with strong odors like garlic and onions can linger in your mouth, causing bad breath. Other things that can cause bad breath are tobacco use, dry mouth, gum disease, medical conditions, and even certain medicines. Medical conditions like infections in the sinuses and lungs, bronchitis, diabetes, and even liver or kidney disease can cause halitosis. Saliva does more than keep your mouth comfortable, it also helps to keep odor under control. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria that are the primary causes of halitosis.
Controlling Halitosis
The most important thing you can do to help eliminate halitosis is to have good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouth wash at least twice a day can help keep your breath fresh. Brushing your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth as well as your teeth will help remove food particles as well as bacteria. Flossing will remove hidden bacteria and food between the teeth and rinsing with mouth wash will help remove odors from your mouth. Between brushing, chew sugar-free gum to help control odors and to let your saliva wash away left over food and bacteria.
Visiting Your Dentist
Seeing your dentist every six months can also help to detect any problems with your mouth and teeth. If your halitosis is a symptom of major problem, your dentist will be able to help identify the problem as well as a solution. If your dentist notices your bad breath is due to bacteria (plaque) buildup, he may recommend a mouth rinse to kill the bacteria. Mouth rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride and those with chlorhexidine can help prevent bad breath. A toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent can kill the bacterium that causes plaque to buildup in your mouth. If your dentist notices gum disease is the cause of your halitosis, they may recommend you to a periodontist to treat your gum disease.
Halitosis can cause embarrassment and anxiety in many individuals. Switch to a more frequent and thorough oral care routine and if the problem persists, see your Catonsville Dental Care dentist!
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville
If you have questions about the health of your child’s teeth, or your little one is experiencing one of these childhood dental problems, let our friendly and professional staff help restore your dental health. Call today at 410-747-1115, or submit any questions by visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.