When to See a Dentist About Bad Breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem, and in most cases, it’s easily treated. With bad breath, your mouth has an unpleasant odor that is noticeable and embarrassing. However, it’s not hard to get rid of bad breath by making a few lifestyle changes.
Main Causes of Bad Breath
For most people, food is the main reason for bad breath. Spicy foods, such as those with garlic or onions, contribute to a foul-smelling breath. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol also lead to bad breath. Another important cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing your teeth (and tongue) on a daily basis creates a bad smell or taste in your mouth. Lastly, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, bronchitis, and sinus infections, can also cause bad breath.
Treating Bad Breath
The best way to treat bad breath is to brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. Flossing your teeth daily removes food particles that decay and lead to halitosis. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after every meal to remove food debris. Using a water irrigation system on a regular basis helps to clean around the teeth and below the gum line for a thorough cleaning. A mouthwash can help kill germs and freshen your breath.
To prevent bad breath, consider quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. Avoiding spicy foods also helps to eliminate halitosis.
Why You Need to See a Dentist
If you still have bad breath despite taking steps to treat the problem, you should seek professional help. Even if you don’t think you have any dental problems, it’s essential to see a dentist regularly for optimal oral health. During your routine visits, your dentist checks your teeth and gums for any issues. You should also have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist twice a year.
During the exam, your dentist will look for cavities and gum disease, both of which can contribute to bad breath. If a dental issue is detected, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan to address the problem.
Regular dental checkups help you maintain healthy teeth and gums while diagnosing conditions that could lead to tooth loss or chronic bad breath. If you’re looking for professional dental care, contact us at Valley Dental Care. Our expertise and skills will help you keep bad breath at bay.
Meet the Author
Dr. Satish delivers compassionate, prevention-focused dental care using advanced techniques to support lifelong oral health for families.
Meet Dr. Satish
Related Posts
Fact or Fiction: The Most Common Myths about Mouthwash
When used properly, mouthwash can be a big benefit to your oral health. Yet, there seem to be quite a few common misconceptions about mouth rinses. Can you separate mouthwash myths from the facts? Let’s find out! Mouthwash Cures Bad Breath False…
What Does Your Smile Say About You?
They say you can learn a lot about a person from the way he or she smiles. For example, a small, forced smile might mean that a person is being insincere. Alternatively, a broad, open grin can indicate friendliness and approachability. But…
The Facts about Flossing
This August, the US Department of Health and Human Services removed “flossing” from its list of recommended health practices. Since then, sources such as the New York Times, The Daily News, and the BBC have published articles questioning the efficacy of the…
