The issues surrounding bad breath can stretch all the way from uncomfortable social interactions to more serious health concerns. Understanding the root of bad breath can help you get the necessary help to remedy it, especially since every case can be different. Here are some of the basics for your White Plains dentist to help you clear up any concerns or confusion you may have!
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can have a number of causes, some being as simple as diet or hydration and others being more complex health concerns.
Some of the most common causes include:
• Tobacco: both smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to unfortunate odors in your mouth. This can also lead to gum disease which has bad breath as a main symptom.
• Poor hygiene: having poor dental hygiene will allow both food particles and bacteria to build up in your mouth and cause odor. If you have dentures that you don’t clean regularly, this can be amplified.
• Infections: if you have recently undergone oral surgery, you may have an infection caused by a misstep in the process. Additionally, infections can be caused by things like gum disease, tooth decay or open sores.
• Dry mouth: since saliva is an important, natural part of removing bacteria and particles that cause odor, having dry mouth can worsen your breath.
• Medications: a wide range of medications for many different things can have bad breath as a symptom, particularly when they contribute to dry mouth or break down in a manner that releases chemicals that are carried on your breath.
• Food: the way food is broken down in your mouth can increase bacteria and lead to bad smells. Additionally, specific foods like garlic, onions and various spices can contribute due to the way they are digested and put into your bloodstream.
Symptoms of Bad Breath
While bad breath odors can vary, it is typically pretty easy to tell that it is there, whether it is your that can smell it or your peers. That said, it can be difficult to assess your own breath and you may not notice right away (or you may be insecure when there is little to no problem at all).
The best way to be sure is to ask friends or relatives for their honesty and to go from there.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
If you can trace your concerns to less serious causes or simply want some quick solutions you can take on yourself, there are home remedies out there.
Some reliable methods include:
• Flossing at least once a day
• Brushing your teeth after meals
• Brushing your tongue as well
• Addressing dry mouth as soon as possible
• Cleaning all dentures or dental appliances regularly
• Adjusting your diet to avoid odor-causing foods
• Replacing your toothbrush
• Regularly scheduling dental cleanings
How Do Dentists Treat Bad Breath?
Dentists will be able to assess and diagnose the specific causes of your bad breath, an important step since it could be a result of many different things with varying severity.
The first main solution that dentists will turn to is mouth rinses and toothpastes. For less severe causes, this is the best way to go, helping eliminate bad breath caused by plaque buildup or excess bacteria.
For more serious circumstances, a dentist will have to move into treatment of a dental disease. In the case of gum disease, you may be referred to a specialist who will provide professional cleaning to remove the dangerous bacteria left in the deep pockets in your gum.
In some cases, dentists will sometimes replace faulty restorations that might be breeding bacteria and causing foul odors.
