Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by many factors such as food, decayed teeth, gum disease, cigarette smoking, dry mouth, diseases of the sinuses or airways, certain general health conditions, use of certain medications or inadequate oral hygiene. Your dentist can help you find the exact cause of this phenomenon and if it is related to your mouth, they will provide an appropriate therapy.
Causes and treatment
Everything that we consume determines the breath in our mouth. Certain foods, such as onions, contribute to unpleasant breath. When the food is absorbed into the blood it is transferred all the way to the lungs where it is exhaled through the nose and mouth. Brushing your teeth, using mouthwash or floss may hide bad breath, but only for a limited period of time. Only when the food is completely processed in the system the bad breath will disappear. In addition, irregular diet can also lead to bad breath. If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, particles of food will remain on the teeth, tongue and gums and produce large amounts of bacteria that will create odor when they start rotting and fermenting.
One of the serious signs of gum disease is a constant bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth. These diseases are caused primarily by dental plaque, a colorless sticky substance packed with bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria produce toxins that damage and irritate gums. In the advanced phase of this disease the damage is transferred from the gum to the teeth and bone and if the patient doesn’t take any actions they may experience tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups can help you detect such occurrence on time and prevent further progression of the disease and ultimately eliminate bad breath. If you have this problem, the dentist may prescribe the use of artificial saliva or suggest using sugarless candy or chewing gums that will increase the secretion o saliva or to increase liquid intake.
The elimination of oral diseases and disorders and maintenance of good health is an essential factor. Regular visits to the dentist’s office for examinations and tartar removal are also necessary. Avoid foods that cause bad breath. Brush your teeth after every meal and at least twice a day – in the morning and before you go to bed. Remember to brush your tongue and use dental floss too.