Is Hallitosis The Same Thing As Bad Breath?
Halitosis is a term used synonymously with bad breath. Yes, they are the same thing and the condition effects about 25% of the population. Bad breath can cause anxiety and makes social interactions awkward. The good news is that if you suffer from chronic bad breath, you can do something about it. Your dentist can help diagnose the cause and provide a treatment plan to help resolve it.
What Are The Causes Of Halitosis?
To put it simply, most cases of halitosis are the result of poor oral hygiene habits. If you are not brushing and flossing twice daily and seeing your Spring Hill dentist every six months, chances are good your breath may not be great. However, there are other causes to having bad breath.
Dental Problems
Periodontal disease and cavities can cause bad breath because those conditions provide an ideal environment for the Halitosis bacteria to thrive. Gum disease can cause one’s gums to recede from the teeth and produces hard to reach spaces where bacteria gather.
Smoking And Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes produces an unpleasant odor as it is. It also weakens immunity to cavities and gum disease. It can also cause dry mouth, which is another source for bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps rinse and rid the mouth of harmful bacteria. Medications, smoking and caffeine can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is also a symptom of certain medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke and yeast infections.
Infection
Gum disease can occur when infections in the sinuses or throat go untreated. These infections can cause post nasal drip, which is an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria that causes halitosis.
Chronic Disorders
Ongoing conditions like diabetes, liver disease and acid reflux have all been known to contribute to bad breath.
How Do I Cure Halitosis?
The first step to stopping bad breath is to understand what it is and what causes it. Now that we know this, the next question is, how do we fix it? If you suffer from bad breath, the first thing to do is check your oral hygiene habits. Start brushing twice daily and floss at least once a day. Stop smoking, dial back the caffeine and drink lots of water. This alone will do wonders for reducing bad breath.
When brushing your teeth, open wide, stick out your tongue and look in the mirror. You might notice white and brown bumps on the back of your tongue. The bacteria that causes halitosis can collect here. Consider removing it by brushing your tongue every day.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples require a lot of chewing, which aids in the production of saliva, an important fluid for rinsing away bacteria. You may also consider chewing gum to help produce more saliva. If all else fails, your dentist may suggest an artifical saliva treatment.
We Can Help Treat Your Halitosis
If you are noticing symptoms of halitosis, it is importnat to speak to your dentist to determine the cause and the best way to treat it. At your routine dental exam, our hygenists can check your teeth and gums and work to remove any bacterial buildup and tartar. They can also perform a series of dental x rays to check for periodontal disease that may be causing your bad breath.
Good dental hygiene is the primary factor in making your bad breath go away. Regular visits to the dentist are also important to your overall dental health. Call the Dental and Denture Care Center today at (352) 848-1050 today to schedule an appointment or contact us on our website here. We’re here to help you achieve the best smile of your life.
