How Can You Permanently Get Rid of Halitosis?

Halitosis is bad breath from the mouth that is considered beyond the socially acceptable level. Bad breath is common and occurs when we wake up or on and off throughout the day. It causes significant psychological distress, embarrassment, and anxiety. You should seek treatment if you suffer from chronic bad breath. This is because it may be caused by underlying health issues.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Mouth Odor?

When you seek bad breath treatment in Houston, the dentist will first determine its cause. Poor oral care and hygiene is common cause of halitosis. Neglecting to brush and floss daily allows microscopic bacteria to feed on the food particles left in your mouth. This causes a bad smell in your mouth and may even lead to gum disease.

Improper cleaning of dental appliances results in bad breath. It is because food debris, bacteria, and fungi hide in them. You can have bad breath if you do not take adequate liquids to hydrate your mouth or suffer from a dry mouth. Odors build up since there is inadequate saliva to clean the mouth. Abscesses or wounds also attract bacteria leading to infections that cause halitosis.

If you do not clean your tongue properly, oral bacteria interact with amino acids found in food. They produce a smelly sulfur compound that goes away if you clean the tongue thoroughly. Plaque buildup on the tongue also leads to bad mouth odor. conditions such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, diabetes, and respiratory tract infections also lead to the bad odor.

Another cause of bad breath is consuming certain foods like raw garlic and onions. These are absorbed into the body. Their products are carried in the blood to the lungs resulting in halitosis. Tobacco products such as cigars, cigarettes, snuff, and smokeless tobacco also cause bad breath. They increase the risk for oral diseases, which lead to bad breath.

Can Bad Breath Be Cured?

Yes, bad breath can be cured, even permanently. First, the dentist will diagnose by smelling the breath from your mouth and nose then rate it. They will also scrap the back of your tongue and rate the odor on a six-point intensity scale. The expert can also use detectors to identify the chemicals responsible for halitosis.

Treatment will commence based on the findings of the diagnosis. For example, the dentist will do thorough dental cleaning if the halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene. The dentist will treat underlying gum disease that leads to bad breath. If existing health conditions cause halitosis, the dentist will liaise with your doctor. They will work together for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Our dentist will also recommend some lifestyle and home remedies to get rid of bad breath. They may include:

• Eating raw vegetables or crispy fruits to freshen your breath at any time of the day. You should avoid raw onions, garlic, and sugary foods as they contribute to bad mouth odor.
• Chewing sugar-free gum to remove food debris and increase saliva production
• Drinking more water to ensure you stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth.
• Brushing your teeth after every meal using toothpaste that contains antibacterial properties
• Flossing properly to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth
• Cleaning the back of your tongue properly to remove the coat of bacteria that grows there. You may use a tongue scraper alongside your toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning.
• Avoiding all tobacco products since they contribute to bad breath. You can quit the habit or use a nicotine patch to prevent frequent use of the products.
• Using mouthwashes and rinses throughout the day to keep your breath fresh.
• Removing your dentures at night before bed and cleaning them thoroughly. Aligners and retainers should also be cleaned frequently. This prevents bacteria buildup that causes halitosis.
• Scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings with a dentist. The dental team at Greater Houston Dental Arts will work with you to treat and prevent bad breath. They will examine your mouth for issues that may lead to halitosis and treat them. Next, they will clean your mouth to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.