If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.īrushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem. Use mouthwash/rinses Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor.Drink water frequently Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.Stop smoking/chewing tobacco Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits. See your dentist regularly Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year.If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Practice good oral hygiene Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist. Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Certain medical conditions and illnesses Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.Dieting Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.Tobacco products Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.Dry mouth (Xerostomia) May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing. ![]() Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances May also contribute to bad breath.Periodontal (gum) disease Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.Poor oral hygiene habits Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Morningtime Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent. There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning. Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition.
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