Bad Breath Causes And Treatment

For many patients, bad breath is a source of embarrassment and anxiety, and can even have an impact on personal relationships. At Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand the distress bad breath can cause, and specialize in providing compassionate cosmetic, restorative, and general dental care. Learn more about the causes of bad breath, medically known as halitosis, and how Dr. Raymond M. Ferri and Dr. Patrick Lawrence can help you reduce or eliminate the condition at our Raleigh cosmetic dentistry center.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

Dental Hygiene Problems – The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate over time, resulting in bacteria that emit foul-smelling chemicals. By developing a proper dental routine that includes regular professional cleanings and daily brushing and flossing, many patients can eliminate their bad breath.

Diseases –

In some cases, bad or odd-smelling breath can be caused be certain diseases. The following diseases or illnesses are known to affect the scent of our breath:

1. Cancer
2. Acid reflux
3. Diabetes
4. Respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis
5. Kidney or liver problems

Food –

When pungent foods and oils are consumed, they are absorbed into the body, where they enter the lungs and then exit in the form of foul-smelling breath. Onions, garlic, and other vegetables and spices are all known sources of temporary bad breath, and can be avoided to prevent breath concerns.

Dry Mouth –

Patients with the condition called dry mouth may be suffering from several oral health issues, including bad breath. Saliva aids in cleansing your mouth of particles that cause bad breath. Some medications can also increase mouth dryness.

Basic Tips for the Treatment of Bad Breath

Maintaining good dental hygiene is first step to fighting bad breath. Use the following simple tips to help greatly reduce and even prevent bad breath:

• Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, particularly after meals.
• Scrape or clean your tongue thoroughly.
• Use mouthwash.
• Dentures must be properly cleaned every night.
• Quit the use of all tobacco products.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.
• Take note of what foods significantly affect your breath and avoid them.
• Comprehensive Treatments for Bad Breath

When poor oral hygiene is the source of a patient’s bad breath, other problems such as tooth decay and gum disease are also commonly present, and may need to be treated in order to alleviate bad breath. Drs. Ferri and Lawrence are skilled in modern dental treatments that can successfully treat and prevent the issues that cause bad breath. A tooth that is severely decayed, broken, or has been treated with root canal therapy can be restored in both form and function with a porcelain dental crown. We have achieved superior results for our Raleigh dental crowns patients.

Contact Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Today

Don’t let worries about bad breath hold you back from enjoying your favorite things.