Bad Breath (Halitosis)
No one wants bad breath. However, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 80 million people suffer from chronic bad breath (source).
If you have persistent bad breath, how do you treat it? Before we answer that question, we want you to know there is no reason to feel embarrassed…we successfully treat this condition at our office. You just need an appointment to get started.
But first, let’s talk a little bit more about bad breath.
? What you need to know about bad breath– Do you have bad breath?
Bad breath is also referred to as halitosis. It can be quite embarrassing to have persistent bad breath, but it is sometimes a result of a dental problem. Our dentists can thoroughly examine your oral health to determine the cause and provide treatment.
If you have bad breath, others around you will most likely be aware first since it’s difficult to smell our own breath. If you suspect bad breath, and if you’re comfortable doing so, ask your family or a close friend for their opinion.
If that won’t work, you can try testing your own breath. To do so, just lick the back of your wrist or scrape the back of your tongue with a spoon. Let the saliva dry for a few seconds and then smell the area where you licked. This will give you a pretty good idea of how your breath smells to everyone else around you.
? What causes bad breath?
Several dental-related and non-dental related things can cause halitosis.
- For cases of temporary bad breath, this can be due to smelly foods, dry mouth, hunger, or poor dental hygiene.
- For cases of persistent bad breath, dental hygiene issues can be the culprit. Halitosis can also be signs of serious dental problems or a non-dental medical condition. Bacteria on the tongue or bacteria trapped between the teeth and gums can cause halitosis.
If you have chronic bad breath, call Washington Smiles today. We can help to eliminate or reduce halitosis with proper treatment.
? How to avoid or minimize bad breath
- Properly brush and floss your teeth 2-4 times per day, especially after meals.
- Clean your tongue with a brush or a tongue scraper.
- Drink a lot of water throughout the day to reduce chances of dry mouth.
- Use over-the-counter oral hygiene products, such as toothpastes and antibacterial mouthwashes.
If you have any questions, or if you need recommendations on which products to purchase, discuss this with our dentists.
Treatment at Washington Smiles for halitosis
Our dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to determine the underlying cause of halitosis. We will look for signs of gum disease or tooth decay, as well. A thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums will be performed.
We will recommend proper brushing and flossing, as well as certain mouthwashes to control the bacteria that’s causing bad breath.
If you are suffering from bad breath, call Washington Smiles today. Our dentists look forward to providing top-notch halitosis treatment so you no longer have to feel ashamed.