Can a Dentist Treat Bad Breath?
Bad breath can indicate several problems, and treatment will differ depending on the cause. Dentists are skilled in diagnosing the source of bad breath and can detect anything along the spectrum of dental decay to periodontal disease. From there, they will recommend a plan of action.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by a plethora of concerns that can be dental or otherwise. The simplest explanation for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. But it is a common misconception that the severity of bad breath is proportionate to an individual’s oral hygiene.
There can also be a compounding effect, creating a vicious cycle where snoring or mouth breathing or some other behavioral or environmental cause for halitosis is due to plaque build-up or halitosis, and in turn is remedied by oral hygiene routines or dental work.
⚕️ Tooth and gum health is of cardinal importance in the goal of remedying bad breath or halitosis.
Common Causes of Halitosis
Dry Mouth
Because saliva acts to clear food and debris from the mouth, its absence is a concern. Not enough saliva can be caused by medical conditions, hormonal issues, or genetic predisposition.
Mouth Breathing
The mouth breathing that occurs while you are sleeping can cause heightened bacterial presence in the mouth, creating an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
Medical Conditions
Bad breath may also indicate other medical conditions such as diabetes and acid reflux. If your dentist cannot find an oral issue, it is advised that you see a physician.
Bad Breath Treatments
Eliminating bad breath is a collaborative effort between a patient and a dentist. A dentist can do procedures to eliminate the cause of halitosis. The patient must take an active role in controlling halitosis by modifying home routines.
Professional Dental Procedures
- Tooth extraction for damaged or decayed teeth
- Regular dental cleanings
- Deep cleaning for teeth
- Gum disease treatment
Home Remedies You Can Do
- Brush your teeth, tongue, and mouth regularly
- Floss to remove debris between teeth
- Use mouthwash to kill plaque and bacteria
- Drink water to wash away debris and bacteria
Smile and Breath Health
🦷 Brush Thoroughly
Your mouth can be the source for plaque and bad breath bacteria. Brush your teeth, breath, and mouth regularly
🧵 Floss Daily
Gum disease and bad breath can be caused by debris that you chew. Floss to remove the debris
💧 Stay Hydrated
Some people don’t make enough saliva. Drinking water can help wash debris and bacteria
✨ Regular Cleanings
Fresh breath can be achieved and bad bacteria eliminated with cleanings and a dental exam
Awareness Can Help You Take Preventative Measures for Bad Breath
Knowing that you are someone who is likely to suffer from chronic bad breath and the why’s behind it, facilitates the development of preventative measures you can build into your daily routine.
Lifestyle Changes
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Eating more nutritious foods
- Maintaining a diet that reduces acidity and blood sugar levels
Medical Management
Controlling chronic acid reflux and diabetes by taking prescribed medications can help halt the progression of halitosis. Mints and other breath fresheners may be great confidence boosters, but they are temporary fixes. Halitosis requires a collaboration of dentists and health care providers for a comprehensive plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely eliminate bad breath?
Unfortunately, completely eradicating bad breath from the world is sheer fantasy. It is a normal part of life. Some people need to deal with it a lot more because of their food choices, the way they perceive the world through their specific set of genes, and their oral care habits. The best thing you can do is to commit to routine dental care so that the degree and frequency are reduced as much as possible.
Should I be scared of chronic bad breath?
Even though it isn’t the most appealing thing to smell, halitosis can be eliminated with the right set of dental care. Halitosis as a symptom of a chronic illness can create a cause for alarm, and this should warrant a visit to your health care provider.
Should I expect my chronic bad breath to go away after dental treatment?
If the cause of persistent bad breath is a dental issue, then addressing it will absolutely eliminate the problem. Examples may be the extraction of a tooth, a root canal when there is an infected tooth, or a professional deep clean of the teeth will all drastically eliminate persistent bad breath.
Is it hard to get rid of bad breath?
Yes, depending on the cause, it can be tough to manage. The best way to relieve it is to deal with the underlying cause.
Get Professional Help for Bad Breath
Our Oshawa dental team can diagnose the source of your bad breath and create a comprehensive treatment plan. Schedule an appointment today to achieve fresh breath and optimal oral health.
