Bad Breath Causes and Treatments

If you’ve ever had bad breath before, even just a mild case, you know just how bad it can be for you on a number of levels. For that reason, many people visit a Memphis area cosmetic dentist to learn what they can do to treat and prevent further bad breath. There’s a lot to consider about bad breath, actually, so we’d like to take a moment right now to look at some of the basics as to the problems associated with bad breath, the causes of bad breath, and some tips for treatment and prevention. Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, we just hope you find this material helpful.

Problems Associated with Bad Breath

There’s the social awkwardness to take into account, for instance. You may find yourself reluctant to speak up or laugh even around the people you know and love. If you’re trying to make a good first impression, bad breath is just not going to help you there. But apart from the social aspect of bad breath, the fact is that bad breath may be the sign of a serious dental health or general health problem. It’s best to get your bad breath checked out at our cosmetic dentistry practice near Memphis if you notice that your bad breath is persistent.

Causes of Bad Breath

There are plenty of causes of bad breath, but in most cases, the most common cause is the bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria may be on your teeth or your gums or even your tongue. Certain foods may cause particularly pungent or distinctive breath, such as some cheeses, garlic, some kinds of fish, and onions.

There are also non-oral causes of bad breath worth noting. Problems with the nasal passages and throat can contribute or be the sole cause of bad breath. More so, issues with the lungs and the digestive system can all potentially lead to bad breath or worsened bad breath.

And of course, if you’re a smoker, smoking and all tobacco products will affect the overall quality of your breath.

Our team of Memphis area cosmetic dentists will be there for you. We’ll be sure to look at your overall dental health and the condition of your teeth. If it’s a general health problem that’s the cause of your bad breath, we’ll do our best to identify it so you can see the right medical specialist about it.

At-Home Treatments for Bad Breath

One of the best ways to deal with bad breath in most cases is just to practice regular dental hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. This will remove the food particles from your mouth which the bacteria in the mouth like to feed on. You may also want to consider using a tongue scraper to get rid of food that may be left on your tongue.

Dry mouth can cause bad breath to some extent, so it’s a good idea to remain hydrated. You may also want to carry around some sugar-free mints or chewing gum to help give your breath a pleasant smell and promote saliva production as well.

If you notice certain foods or substances lead to particularly bad breath, be sure to avoid those or have them in moderation.

Professional Treatments for Bad Breath

If you’ve tried everything else and nothing works, be sure to visit our practice so we can give you the help that you need. To learn more about bad breath treatments, Memphis porcelain veneers, and other options for great dental health, contact Germantown Dental Group today.