No one wants to have bad breath. Halitosis may interfere with your social life and can affect your professional and personal life. Bad breath in the morning may be nothing to cause concern. However, chronic halitosis could be a sign of a more advanced dental health concern.
If regular oral hygiene does not wash away the smell, visit our Plano dental office for an oral health exam. You could be experiencing dry mouth, odor-causing bacteria, or other oral health condition.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Poor personal oral hygiene, infected gums, tooth decay, and a buildup of bacteria on the tongue or in the mouth can cause bad breath. Even an upset stomach can lead to halitosis or bad breath. People who don’t brush and floss at least twice daily can have bad breath.
The most common cause of bad breath is excess bacteria in the mouth. You can not remove hardened or embedded bacteria at home with a toothbrush and floss. The bacteria in the mouth builds up from food particles and creates plaque that brushing and flossing can’t remove.
Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. It affects your tongue, skin, and soft tissues. The bacteria engage in a metabolic process that releases sulfur-compounded gases. This is the odor we smell, causing the most common type of halitosis.
Less common is bad breath because of postnasal drip from allergies, normally in the sinus. The final type is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The stomach expels gastric contents into the mouth, usually at night. Whatever the reason, we can diagnose the cause and provide solutions.
Treating Bad Breath
Let our registered dental hygienists professionally deep clean your teeth at least twice a year or every six months. This will remove any buildup of odor-causing plaque. Our dentists will recommend the right antibacterial rinse and other home-care products as well.
Of course, one of the best ways to eliminate bad breath is to eliminate tooth decay. Take proper care of your teeth and gums, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Frequent visits to our Plano dental office will help Dr. Chen catch the signs of complex oral health concerns early. We will provide conservative and comprehensive dental care.
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice daily, preferably after each meal. Leaving food particles in your mouth will lead to bacteria. If you can’t brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth with plenty of water. This breaks loose as much food as possible trapped between your teeth.
Brush using small circular motions and hold your toothbrush angled toward the teeth at the gum line. This is where particles, bacteria, and debris tend to collect. Floss at least once at the end of the day right after you brush, and then rinse your mouth with an antibacterial rinse.
Another effective way to eliminate halitosis is by using a special tongue scraper. If your chronic bad breath is not a dental issue, we recommend discussing it with your general practitioner. A range of health concerns, medications, and lifestyle habits can be contributing factors.
1. Comprehensive Oral Examination
The specialist begins with a detailed oral exam to identify possible causes of bad breath. This includes checking for:
- Plaque and tartar buildup.
- Gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Cavities, which can trap bacteria and food particles.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia), a condition that reduces saliva production, leading to bacterial growth.
By addressing these issues, our dentist helps remove immediate sources of odor-causing bacteria.
2. Identifying Systemic Causes
Bad breath isn’t always caused by oral health issues. The dentist evaluates whether systemic health conditions like sinus infections, acid reflux, or diabetes might be contributing to the problem. If Dr. Chen suspects non-oral issues, we may refer you to a medical doctor or collaborate with other healthcare providers.
3. Professional Dental Cleaning
Our hygienist may preform a deep cleaning, such as scaling and root planing, to remove bacteria and tartar from hard-to-reach areas. This not only freshens breath but also prevents further gum issues that could worsen halitosis.
4. Customized Treatment Plans
Dr. Chen creates a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs. This could include:
- Medications: Prescription antimicrobial mouthwashes, toothpaste with higher fluoride content, or treatments for dry mouth.
- Lifestyle Advice: Suggestions on diet changes, hydration, or avoiding foods and habits (like smoking) that can contribute to bad breath.
- Restorative Work: If cavities or ill-fitting dental work are contributing to odor, we may recommend fillings, crowns, or other solutions.
5. Educating Patients on Proper Oral Care
A significant part of curing halitosis is improving your daily oral hygiene. The dentist may:
- Show proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Recommend tongue scraping to remove bacteria from the tongue, a common source of bad breath.
- Suggest specific products, such as alcohol-free mouthwashes or sugar-free gum, to enhance oral care routines.
6. Long-Term Monitoring and Follow-Up
Halitosis treatment doesn’t always end with a single appointment. Our team can monitor the patient’s progress over time, making adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. Regular follow-ups ensure that the problem doesn’t return and allow us to address any recurring issues early.
The ultimate goal is to identify and eliminate the source of bad breath to restore your confidence and oral health. With a combination of professional care, personalized advice, and patient education, we will provide effective solutions to cure bad breath and prevent it from coming back.