Find a Halitosis Remedy That Works for You!

“Halitosis” is the medical term for bad breath, which results from poor dental hygiene and could signify other health problems. Bad breath can worsen due to an unhealthy lifestyle or by consuming certain foods.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS has been fulfilling the dental needs of families throughout Riverside County. If you need advice on how to prevent bad breath or want more info on a major dental procedure, cosmetic dentist Dr. Hauser is the man to visit. To see a trained, high-quality dentist, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Foods and Eating Habits Affect Breath

Everything we consume breaks down in the mouth.  As food digests and becomes absorbed into the bloodstream, it eventually gets carried to the lungs and expelled in the breath. Foods with strong odors, such as garlic or onions, will stay in the system for a while even if you brush and floss after eating.

The odor will only be covered temporarily, and it will not completely go away until the food passes through the body.

Poor Habits and Bad Breath

Food particles will remain in the mouth if you do not brush or floss on a daily basis. This encourages bacterial growth between the teeth, around the gums and on the tongue. The development of bacteria on the tongue causes bad breath, but antibacterial mouth rinses can help.

Additionally, if dentures are not properly cleaned, the food and odor-causing bacteria particles left between the crevices can cause bad breath.

Chewing tobacco or smoking tobacco-based products is another way to stain teeth, contract bad breath, irritate the gums and even lose the ability to taste certain foods.

Health Problems Associated With Bad Breath

A bad taste in the mouth accompanied by persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of periodontal disease.  Gum disease forms due to a buildup of plaque on the teeth. The bacterium present causes toxins to form in the mouth, which then irritates the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can permanently damage the jawbone and the gums.

Other dental causes of this condition include yeast infections of the mouth, poorly fitting dental appliances and dental caries.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can also cause bad breath. Saliva is a necessary component to the mouth. It cleanses and moistens by neutralizing acids produced by plaque, and it washes away dead cells that congregate on the gums, cheeks and tongue.

If the dead cells are not removed, then they will decompose and cause bad breath. Dry mouth could be the side effect of salivary gland problems, various medications or continuous breathing through the mouth. Other diseases also cause bad breath. For example, some respiratory-tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, are benefactors of bad breath.

Halitosis Remedy

While there is not just one way to remedy halitosis, a few tips combined may do the job. Here are some ways to control your bad breath.

• Practice good oral hygiene. Floss and brush after every meal, or at least try to do so twice per day. When brushing, do it for two minutes at a time. To properly brush the teeth and mouth, the tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth must be brushed in order to prevent food particles from becoming trapped between the teeth.
• Invest in sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum stimulates the release of saliva, which cleanses the gums and teeth and, in turn, prevents dry mouth.
• Stop smoking, chewing and dipping. Kick the habit—not only for your health but also for your breath
• Antibacterial mouthwash. Gargling mouth rinse once or twice per day is great for the gums and teeth, and it kills the bad-breath bacteria in the mouth.

See Lakefront Family Dentistry for Help

While your dentist may not be able to conduct one specific procedure that deals with bad breath particularly, he or she should still be able to address your oral hygiene concerns.

If the mouth seems to appear healthy at your dental visit, you may be referred to a general physician or specialist to find out the cause of bad breath.

To find out more about halitosis, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!