Curing Bad Breath with Your Dentist

Bad morning breath is something we all experience every day, but for some, that unpleasant taste and smell does not simply go away after they brush their teeth and wash their mouth out. Chronic bad breath is an issue millions of Americans deal with every day, and many have no clue as to why. While bad breath is common, chronic bad breath could be the sign of a much more serious problem. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do about this issue, and your dentist is always willing to offer a helping hand.

The Causes of Chronic Bad Breath

Most people are aware that if you eat heavily spiced foods or do not consistently engage in oral hygiene that your breath will not be very pleasant, but chronic bad breath is quite different than this. Sometimes referred to as halitosis, this kind of bad breath is very hard to get rid of using conventional methods. Often, it can stem from a much deeper problem, such as:

• Gum Disease: When too much bacteria is allowed to accumulate on the gum line, it can eventually develop into an infection. An excess of bacteria can easily cause the breath to smell bad even if a person takes care of their teeth and regularly uses breath mints/gum.
• Dry Mouth: Saliva is the mouth’s natural way to keep itself clean, so when saliva production is stunted and the mouth is dried out, this can create an ideal environment for foul smelling bacteria to grow. Dry mouth can be caused by a number of factors, such as an underlying medical condition, and it is also a common side effect of many types of medication.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, a sinus condition, gastric reflux, and liver and kidney disease can also cause infections in the mouth that lead to chronic bad breath.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

While chronic bad breath can be extremely annoying, it is also very treatable. Here are a few simple things you can do:

• Practice Consistent Oral Hygiene: This is always the best place to start, because most often, chronic bad breath is the result of a lack of oral hygiene. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once, and it will likely make a huge difference.
• Drink More Water: If dry mouth is a common problem for you, drinking more water can easily jump start saliva production and give your mouth the moisture it needs to maintain a healthy balance. If your dry mouth persists, you can actually get saliva supplements from your doctor as well.
• See Your Dentist: If you cannot seem to get your bad breath under control on your own, then your next stop should be your dentist’s office. They should be able to determine what the underlying cause of your bad breath is as well as provide a number of solutions. Seeing them regularly each year is an easy way to guarantee that your breath stays fresh well into the future.

If you are dealing with chronic bad breath every day, be sure not to ignore it, as it could be a single symptom of a much deeper problem. If you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible, just make an appointment with your dentist, and they will make sure your breath is minty fresh in no time.

About Amherst Dental Group

Amherst Dental Group is a full spectrum dental practice that is able to serve patients of all ages, whether they just need help with their bad breath or a full mouth reconstruction. No matter what your smile needs to look and feel its best, our team of dentists and staff will always have you covered. If you would like to learn more about everything you have just read, please contact us today.