One of your fears is to be engaged in a conversation only for the other person to show signs that your breath is offensive. Unfortunately, if you suffer from chronic bad breath, this can be a reality for you. Thankfully, there are some strategies you can utilize to both prevent this type of oral issue and to improve an unfavorable situation. Additionally, you’ll learn about 4 of the more common causes of bad breath.
Cause #1 – Gum Disease
If you fail to practice consistent and properly executed oral hygiene, then you run the risk of developing gum disease, a condition that results from the continued growth of bacteria. It starts as gingivitis – the inflammation of the gums.
If not addressed, the disease will progress to more advanced forms that can lead to tooth loss and can even contribute to plaque buildup in other areas of the body.
Cause #2 – Oral Infection
An oral infection can stem from a viral illness, which can come about when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. One of the warning signs is the foul smell that is produced.
The first step to being restored is to visit your general doctor to have the issues diagnosed and treated. Then, your dentist can address any effects the illness has on your oral health.
Cause #3 – Diabetes
If you suffer from diabetes, you are more prone to developing gum disease and experiencing bad breath. Therefore, if you notice lingering oral odors, you should schedule a visit to your doctor to have tests run to make sure you don’t have diabetes.
Your dentist can then help in identifying any signs of gum disease so it can be treated immediately.
Cause #4 – Dry Mouth
For people who take medications on a regular basis, they may experience a condition called dry mouth. This is significant because a dryer mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
A visit to both your physician and dentist will allow you to explore any possible alternatives to help restore the proper moisture to your mouth, which will then prevent excess bacteria growth.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
The first step to your dentist treating offensive breath is for him or her to thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth and gums. The professional will look for any warning signs of dental issues that need to be addressed.
Here are some of the treatment options your dentist offers:
- Scaling and Root Planing – Also called a deep cleaning, the scaling and root planing procedure involves your dentist clearing away the bacteria that have worked their way into the gum pockets. The professional will also smooth the affected teeth roots to prevent new bacteria accumulation.
- Laser Decontamination – This form of care utilizes safe light energy to decontaminate the affected area by removing the bacteria trapped in the gum tissue.
While these are certainly viable methods of restoring your oral health, the standard routines you perform play a major role in your recovery.
Oral Care at Home
Your home care requires simple actions like brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day. Then, when you brush, you should be sure to do it for two minutes to clean your teeth well. This will serve to fortify any treatment provided by your local dentist.
Working in tandem with your dentist, you’ll be able to enjoy fresher breath and the confidence needed to live your life to the fullest!
About the Author
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp is a graduate of the Loyala University Chicago School of Dentistry, and he has been in private practice for nearly 40 years. He uses his vast knowledge, years of experience and commitment to continuing education to help patients enjoy fresh breath and excellent oral health at Wehrkamp Dentistry. Dr. Wehrkamp can be reached for more information through his website.