Determining the Cause of Bad Breath to Effectively Treat the Condition
Most of us strive to achieve a smile that looks beautiful, healthy, and clean, but how good is an attractive smile if the breath does not smell fresh? Foul breath can be a cause of embarrassment and can easily ruin an intimate moment. While it is very common for patients to occasionally experience bad breath, a more persistent problem is likely the sign of an underlying health condition. We offer our Boston patients bad breath treatment that freshens the breath by treating the cause of halitosis (persistent bad breath). Many of these treatments can be performed using sedation dentistry, allowing our patients to be treated in complete comfort and relaxation.
What Causes Bad Breath?
One of the reasons that bad breath is such an embarrassing situation for many patients is that there is a general lack of understanding regarding bad breath. Many believe that bad breath is simply caused by the foods or drinks that a person consumes, while others assume that a person with bad breath has an unclean mouth. While food and a lack of oral hygiene can both lead to bad breath, these are not the only causes of bad breath. Below are some health conditions and habits that are known to cause bad breath:
- Dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Root canal infection
- Gum disease
- Certain diseases and illnesses, such as diabetes
- The use of some medications
An exam by a dentist can diagnose the cause of bad breath in most cases. However, when a general health problem or the use of prescription medication is the cause of bad breath, it will be necessary for the patient to discuss this condition with his or her general health physician.
Treating Bad Breath
When bad breath is caused by an oral health problem, as is often the case, dentists offer patients bad breath treatment that works to eliminate bad breath by treating its cause. Restorative dental work will likely be required if tooth decay, root canal infection, or gum disease are the source of halitosis. Restorative treatments will rid the mouth of harmful bacteria and plaque, both of which are known to cause bad breath. We also offer solutions for patients who suffer from dry mouth. By using artificial saliva or medication that can promote the production of saliva, we can help our patients keep a moist and cleaner oral environment. Finally, there are easy steps that can be taken by patients at home to help ensure that the breath remains fresh, such as the following:
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits
- Stay hydrated
- Rinse the mouth with water after meals
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free candy
- Avoid or limit the intake of foods and beverages with strong odors
Schedule an Appointment
If you are dissatisfied with the freshness of your breath, a dentist can help make bad breath a problem of your past. We have the treatments available to improve oral health and restore fresh, clean breath. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience so that we can determine the cause of your bad breath and help you find an effective solution. We look forward to meeting you!
