Slaying Dragon Breath: Bad Breath Prevention and Treatment
Patients in and around the Lake Jackson area can count on the team at Bell Dental to help them with their dental health needs. Using the latest general and restorative dentistry services to enhance dental health and general wellness, we can tackle problems great and small. One of these problems that can be both great and small is bad breath (halitosis), which we'd like to consider in more detail right now.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Some of the most common causes of bad breath include the following:
- Oral Bacteria - The bacteria that naturally occurs in the mouth creates bad odors when feeding on food particles in the mouth.
- Tooth Decay and Gum Disease - Since both tooth decay and gum disease are caused by oral bacteria, it should come as no surprise that bad breath is a symptom of both.
- Tobacco Products - Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco make your breath unpleasant, though as you know already, bad breath is the least negative aspect of tobacco products.
- Alcoholic Beverages - Alcohol dries out the mouth and has a very distinct odor, which can lead to cases of serious bad breath.
- Coffee - Like alcoholic beverages, coffee can dry out the mouth and has a distinct odor that can be overpowering and unpleasant.
- Garlic, Onions, Fish, and Spicy Foods - Foods that have very sharp, distinct, or pungent odors about them can lead to issues with bad breath.
- Dry Mouth - Cases of dry mouth can make bad breath cases worse, and it can also contribute to the progression of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Systemic Conditions and Problems - A number of health issues related to the sinuses, the throat, the lungs, and the digestive tract can lead to bad breath.
Common Treatments for Bad Breath
The most common treatments for bad breath generally involve dental care treatments to treat problems related to decay and infection. If oral bacteria is particularly bad, a patient can use antiseptic rinses to help manage it. Combinations of restorative treatments, rinses, and antibiotics can be used for particularly serious dental health issues.
The exact dental care treatment for you and your needs can be discussed in greater detail during your visit with a dentist.
Medical Treatments for Bad Breath
If your bad breath is related to a systemic condition rather than a dental health problem, then it's important that you speak with your general physician about these matters. This will allow you to get the treatment that you need to properly treat the cause of bad breath.
Tips for Preventing Bad Breath
In order to prevent bad breath or at least manage it, be sure to consider the following tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, ideally after every meal
- Floss your teeth at least once a night, ideally after every meal
- Stay hydrated by drinking water rather than sodas and other beverages
- Avoid snacking on sugary foods between meals
- Quit smoking and the use of chewing tobacco
- Be wary when eating certain pungent foods
- Mask bad breath with sugar-free gum and mints
- Avoid breathing through your mouth when possible
- Visit your dentist for normal checkups
Contact Our Dental Care Practice
For more information about treating and preventing bad breath, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. At Bell Dental, we will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the ideal treatments for excellent dental health and wellness.