Dealing with halitosis (bad breath) can put a damper on your self-esteem, even when it is only temporary. Not to mention, it can also be a struggle to get rid of, which only makes halitosis more frustrating. Luckily, halitosis is treatable—even in chronic stages. Since simply brushing and flossing your teeth will only mask the bad breath temporarily, there are several things you can watch out for that cause halitosis and certain things that you can incorporate into your life that will help minimize bad breath.
There are many reasons why halitosis arises, but most notably, it’s due to leftover food particles, dry mouth, dental problems, and other medical issues. Some of these causes can be dealt with quite easily, but other more serious problems take a little more effort and require a professional such as Dr. Boyer. Now, let’s take a look at some common causes of bad breath.
Food Particles
Despite your efforts, food particles can still make their way in between teeth and get trapped for extended periods of time. As the food particles are broken down, the resulting bacteria can present quite a foul odor. This is what makes flossing essential. While brushing is great for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, flossing can reach the gaps between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is like a natural mouthwash. Not only that, but it helps maintain tooth enamel and protect your teeth. A dry mouth can really invite the growth of bacteria, which is a common cause of halitosis. Sugar-free gum, limited caffeine, avoiding mouthwash that contains alcohol and tobacco use, and drinking plenty of water are some great ways to keep saliva production going.
Dental/Health Problems
Dental problems and other medical issues can be another issue, and they’ll ultimately require more treatment than, say, food particles or a dry mouth. Typically, these causes of halitosis cannot be remedied by typical oral care and need a professional’s aid. Otherwise, these problems can result in a more chronic case of halitosis.
If you have any questions about dental health or are looking for some of the best dental treatment available, contact Spring Valley Dental Care to schedule an appointment.