How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
Bad breath is a common issue for many patients. In some cases, this is detected at a routine dental visit by the dental professional. There are various things that can cause bad breath, which are outlined below. In addition, there are different things patients can do to get rid of their bad breath.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can be a common cause of bad breath in many patients. Patients with gum disease are often referred to a periodontist or dentist who specializes in issues related to the gums. This issue causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, resulting in the formation of deep pockets. Once these pockets have formed, they easily collect bacteria, which causes the bad odor. When the issue has progressed, it often requires a professional cleaning because routine brushing and flossing will not be sufficient. It is also possible that the patient may have a damaged tooth restoration that has accumulated bacteria and requires replacement.
Treatment
Practicing good oral hygiene at home is the best way to prevent bad breath. This also minimizes the risk of gum disease and helps maintain good oral health. If a patient has bad breath due to an underlying health condition, they will be referred to a primary care provider for further treatment. They may need to receive additional testing and evaluation to determine their treatment options.
In some cases, bad breath may be caused by another type of oral health issue. It is important for patients to follow up with a dentist to determine the underlying cause of the issue. In order to properly get rid of bad breath, you must first know the cause. Common methods used to get rid of bad breath are outlined below.
Removing Bacteria
Bad breath is typically caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Patients may benefit from the use of a bacteria-eliminating mouthwash. An antibacterial toothpaste may also be beneficial as it aids in the removal of harmful bacteria. The dentist may give patients a prescription for a medication to increase the production of saliva, if necessary.
Oral Hygiene
Preventing and getting rid of bad breath often begins with practicing good oral hygiene at home. This should include twice-daily brushing and using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. A soft-bristle brush, and using gentle pressure helps ensure the gums are not damaged. Be sure to brush your teeth after your last meal or snack of the day. A toothbrush should be replaced every few months or when patients notice it is showing signs of wear.
Another important element of good oral hygiene is daily flossing. Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth. These areas are often hard to clean with regular brushing. Lastly, patients should regularly visit the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning. These visits aid in the early detection and prompt treatment of any issues.
Cleaning the Tongue
Patients sometimes forget to clean their tongues when brushing. The tongue can be a common culprit for odor as it easily accumulates bacteria. A tongue scraper or toothbrush with a tongue cleaner can be helpful in thoroughly cleaning the tongue. Patients who have dentures or other types of dental appliances must clean these as they would their natural teeth. The failure to clean these things can result in odor and damage to the tooth restoration.
Lifestyle Habits
If a patient has a chronically dry mouth, they are more likely to experience bad breath. This may be caused by certain medications. Do not smoke or use tobacco, which can cause bad breath. It is important to drink plenty of water to maintain moisture in the mouth. Patients should also focus on consuming minimal amounts of coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol, as these things can result in dryness in the mouth. Other things that can aid in the production of saliva include sugar-free candy and gum.
Call the office today if you have bad breath or concerns regarding your oral health. Our team can help determine the cause of the issue and work with you to ensure it is resolved.