Is There A Treatment for Bad Breath?
We often associate bad breath with poor hygiene, but while that is the most popular cause, other factors can contribute to having the condition. It is estimated that every 1 in 4 people around the globe suffers some form of bad breath. This translates to 25% of the global population that carries the psychological distress associated with it. This however does not mean that the rest of the population is free from the condition, anyone can be a victim.
Why Is My Breath Smelling Bad?
Halitosis is the medical term used for bad breath. The obvious indication that you have it is a bad odor from the mouth. The odor varies in intensity, and you hardly notice it on your own. You may need a confirmation from a friend of relative to actually realize that your breath smells.
Our mouths are filled with tons of bacteria, both good and bad, which feed on food particles left in the mouth after eating. If you fail to properly brush and floss your teeth, the harmful odor-producing bacteria will start to digest on the food particles in the mouth and releases sulfur compounds that cause your breath to smell. This why the initial phase of bad breath treatment in Houston, TX is usually to make sure you are cleaning your mouth correctly. It will ensure that your mouth is clean and that the right PH is maintained for optimal oral health.
The nature of the food you eat could also affect the smell of your breath. Some foods like garlic and onions also have strong odors that taint your breath for as long as they are within your system. Other causes for halitosis include:
- Dry mouth, a condition that limits the production of saliva in the mouth. saliva helps keep the mouth clean and balances the mouth’s PH. Without enough of it, you are likely to develop bad mouth odor. This is cause of that bad ‘morning breath’.
- Use of certain medications which either contribute to dry mouth or contain chemicals that are carried to your breath.
- Conditions affecting the mouth, nose and throat such as tonsils and infection of the sinuses.
- Some chronic illnesses such as cancer as well as metabolic disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Smoking which causes the mouth to dry out and contributes to gum disease and cavities. Additionally, when you smoke, the byproduct of the process is retained in the lungs, adding a pungent smell to your breath at all times.
- Oral diseases like gum disease which is caused by accumulation of plaque bacteria around the gums.
Halitosis Treatment in Houston, TX
Greater Houston Dental Arts, we treat bad breath based on the underlying cause. Before you are started on any treatment, our dentist will evaluate your case and run some tests to determine the best course of treatment. for most of the part, bad breath treatment in Houston focus on improving your habits to get rid of anything that could be triggering the unpleasant odor. Some of the things the dentist may ask you to do include:
- Brushing and flossing at least two times every day. Do not forget to clean your tongue too, as it is a spot where bacteria can hide too. Use a tongue scraper or soft toothbrush and this should be done at least once every day.
- Using a mouthwash on a regular basis
- Staying hydrated at all times to ensure the mouth isn’t dry
- Quit the use of tobacco and tobacco products
- Getting treatment for any existing dental illness that could be causing the bad mouth odor.
- Observe all your routine dental appointments
If after these recommendations your breath does not improve, your dentist will review your cases again and determine alternative options for halitosis treatment in Houston. You may be prescribed mouthwashes or toothpastes that contain antibacterial agents. In some cases, such as where the patient has a chronic condition or disorder, the bad breath may not completely go away but can be managed to a bearable level. It also takes collaborative effort between your dentist and general doctor to help keep the problem in control so that you do not live in constant anxiety caused by bad breath.