Combating Halitosis With Effective Treatment Options
Bad breath is an embarrassing problem that can affect your personal and professional relationships. Bad breath can be caused by several factors, such as poor oral hygiene, certain foods, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. While bad breath can be a temporary problem that can be easily fixed, it can also be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires medical attention. Our Boardman, OH dentist, Dr. Robert Perrott, offers treatment options for halitosis and provides you with the information you need to tackle this issue head-on.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis is a condition in which a person has chronic bad breath that persists even after brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.The primary cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene, but other factors such as diet, medication, and medical conditions can also contribute to bad breath.
Treating Bad Breath
The treatment for bad breath will depend on the underlying cause. Dr. Perrott recommends the following options:
- Improve Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using a tongue scraper can help remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Mouthwash: Antiseptic mouthwashes can help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, but they should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water helps keep your mouth hydrated and washes away food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Foods like onions, garlic, and spicy foods can cause bad breath. Avoiding these foods or reducing your intake may help reduce halitosis.
- Treat Underlying Medical Conditions: If your bad breath is caused by an underlying medical condition such as dry mouth or gum disease, treating the condition may help improve your breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smoking cause bad breath?
Yes, smoking is a common cause of bad breath. Tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco can leave a strong, unpleasant odor in your mouth that can linger for hours. In addition, smoking can also dry out your mouth, reducing the production of saliva that helps wash away odor-causing bacteria. Smoking can also lead to gum disease, which is another common cause of bad breath.
Is mouthwash enough to treat bad breath?
Mouthwash can be a useful tool in the fight against bad breath, but it’s not enough to treat the underlying causes of halitosis. Although it can help freshen your breath temporarily by killing bacteria in your mouth and masking odors, it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
Can medications cause bad breath?
Yes, some medications can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath. In addition, some medications can break down in the body and release chemicals that can be carried to the lungs and affect the odor of your breath. If you’re taking medications and are concerned about bad breath, talk to your healthcare provider to see if they may be contributing to the problem.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Perrott
Bad breath is a common problem that can have a variety of causes. The good news is that it’s often treatable with simple changes to your oral hygiene routine or lifestyle. If you’re experiencing persistent bad breath, don’t hesitate to give our Boardman, OH dentist a call at (330) 726-0090 or fill out an online form to get to the root of the problem and find a solution. Dr. Perrott is dedicated to improving the oral health of Ohio patients in Boardman, Austintown, Canfield, Poland, and the surrounding areas.