Bad Breath Causes and Treatments
Nothing can affect a person’s self-confidence and self-image quite like chronic halitosis, more widely and simply known as bad breath. As anyone who suffers from bad breath can attest, the condition can negatively impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from personal relationships to professional interactions.
At our acclaimed general dentistry practice in Ridgewood, bad breath treatments are available to help our patients achieve the fresh, pleasant breath that will give them back the confidence they need to succeed in life. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, there is no need to live with bad breath and its undesirable effects any longer. You could be just a dental appointment or two away from breaking free from the chains of chronic halitosis once and for all.
The Causes of Bad Breath
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you suffer from bad breath but are not brushing your teeth and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, then that may be your problem right there. You should also be flossing at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and using mouthwash to rid your mouth of excess acids. On top of this, you need to visit Ridgewood Dental Associates twice a year for a professional cleaning.
Aside from poor oral hygiene, the most common causes of bad breath include:
- Gum disease, especially in its most advanced stage (periodontitis)
- Smoking
- Tooth decay and root canal infections
- Poor diet
- Dry mouth
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Alcohol consumption
- Dehydration
- Certain diseases, including diseases of the liver and diabetes
- Braces and other orthodontic appliances
- Certain medications
- Failure to clean dentures properly
- Lactose intolerance
Many cases of bad breath result from a variety of causes. Some of these, such as smoking and dehydration, can be addressed through lifestyle changes. Others, such as gum disease and tooth decay, require the intervention of a dental professional.
Bad Breath Treatments
The appropriate treatment or treatments for bad breath depends on its underlying cause. At Ridgewood Dental Associates, we perform thorough exams to determine whether oral health problems are contributing to bad breath. If we diagnose any such problems, we recommend a treatment plan that restores health to the mouth and hopefully eliminates the unwanted symptom of chronic halitosis.
We also discuss other possible causes that could be contributing to our patients’ bad breath, including those related to poor oral hygiene at home. Our dental professionals take pride in their ability to educate their patients on the importance of having a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including how to properly brush and floss. We may also recommend other lifestyle changes, such as drinking more water, reducing consumption of alcohol and coffee, and quitting smoking.
Learn More about Bad Breath Causes and Treatments
If you or someone you love suffers from chronic bad breath, we can help. For further information, or to schedule an initial consultation, please contact our cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice today.