Bad Breath
Bad breath is an embarrassing problem. There are foods that cause bad breath and then there’s chronic halitosis – bad breath that won’t go away.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Several factors can contribute to chronic halitosis, the most common being bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria thrive in the mouth, covering your teeth, gums, tongue and all other surfaces. Sometimes, these bacteria can take over and create volatile sulfur compounds that have a “rotten egg smell”.
Cigarette smoking, tobacco use and certain medications can dry out the mouth, making bad breath even worse.
How Do You Get Rid of Bad Breath?
To treat chronic halitosis, we begin with a thorough dental cleaning. Once your teeth have been cleaned, we have a number of products and treatments available to effectively manage bad breath. These treatments are very effective, especially when combined with conscientious home care, including daily brushing and flossing.
What Else Can You Do?
Visiting the dentist is the best way to remove bacteria from the mouth and get rid of bad breath. But, there are lots of things you can do at home, in between visits:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes
- Floss your teeth once a day
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper (be gentle!)
- Drink plenty of water
- Cut down on coffee, soda and sugary drinks which can dry out the mouth and fuel bacteria
- Quit smoking and using other tobacco products