Bad breath, or halitosis is something most people don’t like to acknowledge let alone talk about. However, it’s an important oral health topic that needs discussing, even if it’s just between us!
Nobody wants to be known as “that guy with the breath,” but treating and avoiding bad breath is about more than that. Yes it does have an odor, but more importantly, it’s an indicator of something potentially more serious.
What causes bad breath?
Halitosis has a number of causes, none of them serious except in the most extreme cases. It is usually caused by a less than ideal oral health regimen or by eating certain foods. Bad breath can be quickly and easily dealt with at home or with help from your friendly dentist.
Bad breath can be caused by:
- Bits of food left in or between teeth
- Eating strong-smelling foods, lots of dairy or coffee
- Smoking
- Some medications or medical conditions
- Tooth decay
- Tonsil stones
Some medications can affect your breath. Medications that include nitrates for angina, some tranquilizers such as phenothiazines or chemotherapy medications are all known to cause halitosis in those using them.
Some medical conditions such as xerostomia or dry mouth, gastrointestinal conditions, bronchitis, sinusitis and diabetes can also cause halitosis in some people.
How to treat halitosis
Treating bad breath is easy. Brush your teeth twice daily with good toothpaste, make sure you floss once a day and avoid eating too many foods that can cause breath to smell. Stopping smoking is also a great way of avoiding bad breath.
If you can’t help but smoke or eat food that can cause bad breath, chewing gum afterwards can help. Gum not only has a minty smell, the chewing action helps remove food debris and stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize bacteria in the mouth that can cause the smell.
If the condition is being caused by a medical condition or medication, your physician or dentist may be able to suggest alternative drugs or treatments for the condition. Occasionally, there is nothing to be done, but this is rare.
In the case of tooth decay or tonsil stones, a visit to your dentist can quickly identify and treat both conditions. The faster you get to your dentist, the faster the underlying condition and therefore the symptom of halitosis can be treated. Left alone, the condition gets worse and so does the halitosis, so ignoring it is not an option!
If you’re concerned about halitosis or would like advice on maintaining a healthy mouth, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. We service Denville, Dover, Morristown, Morris Plains, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway We’d be happy to help!
