Chances are if you have halitosis, you may not even realize it unless someone tells you. Malodorous breath is common. In fact, over 50 million people have chronic halitosis, and not all of them are aware of it. Changing your oral hygiene practices could help in some instances. Proper brushing and flossing techniques along with brushing your tongue may eliminate bad breath.
Unfortunately, improving oral hygiene practices will not help everyone with halitosis. This is because there are many reasons why bad breath exists. The solution to curing your bad breath is determined when the source of the problem is identified. General dentistry treatments vary depending on the cause of the problem. Tooth decay and gum disease are both known to cause bad breath. In some cases, cleaning out a decayed tooth and filling it will solve the problem. Sometimes, a tooth may need to be extracted if the decay is very extensive.
When halitosis is caused by advanced gum disease, treatment will eliminate the smell. Periodontitis may need to be treated with antibiotics to address the infection, and in very severe cases, surgery may be required to treat the gums. Treatment for periodontitis will help eliminate halitosis, and it may also save you from losing teeth.
Occasionally, halitosis is not caused by an oral issue but rather a more systemic health problem. Common culprits include digestive problems or an issue with the gastrointestinal tract. If your dentist cannot find the cause of your halitosis, you should check in with your primary care physician. Since bad breath can be indicative of a serious health problem, it is important to be examined by your doctor to find the cause.
Treatment for Bad Breath
Often the cause for bad breath is the buildup of volatile sulphur compounds on the back of the tongue. Large accumulations of these compounds will cause odor as the proteins within them are broken down by bacteria in the mouth. Brushing or using a tongue cleaner to clean the back of your tongue will eliminate the odor if this is the cause. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, this may be challenging for you.
Chronic halitosis can interfere with your social life and irritate those around you. If you have this condition, make an appointment with Shadle Smiles, and let us help you find the cause. If your halitosis is due to a dental condition such as decayed teeth or periodontitis, let us rectify the situation for you and restore your oral health.
