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Treatment for Bad Breath Plano, TX

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, but chronic halitosis could be a sign of a more advanced dental health concern.

If regular oral hygiene does not wash away the smell, you should visit our Plano dentist office for an oral health exam.

bad breath treatment in Plano Texas

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 that hardened or embedded themselves and cannot be removed by a toothbrush or floss. The bacteria in the mouth build up from food particles that are not removed with brushing or flossing.

This bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease and become embedded in your tongue, skin, or surface, which constitute your taste buds. The bacteria on your roots, under your fillings and old dental work, or under your gums 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 due to postnasal drip caused by 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

Have your teeth professionally cleaned by one of our registered dental hygienists at least twice a year or every six months. This will remove any buildup of odor-causing plaque. Plano, TX dentist Dr. Mark Sowell or Dr. Sara Chen will recommend the right antibacterial rinse and other home-care products.

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 Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Frequent visits to our Plano dentists’ office will help Dr. Chen or Dr. Sowell catch any signs of complex oral health concerns early for 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 cannot brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth with 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, which Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen can provide upon request. If we determine that your chronic bad breath is non-dental related, we recommend discussing it with your general practitioner. A range of health concerns, medications, and lifestyle habits can be contributing factors.