One of the most embarrassing things that can happen is to have bad breath that becomes offensive to other people. If this summarizes your current situation, then you want to know the cause of the problem and what solutions are available for you. To help in the quest to eradicate bad breath, your dentist lists the 4 main culprits of any foul odors. Read on to learn how a dental visit can help tremendously!
The Top 4 Contributors to Bad Breath
To help to overcome bad breath, let’s take a look at the 4 most common causes:
- Gum Disease – This is the inflammation of your gums that is the result of bacteria growth. The early stage of the disease is called gingivitis, and one of the warning signs is bad breath.
- Oral Infection – If you have a virus of some sort, it can cause an oral infection, which can affect the teeth, gums and roof of your mouth. One of the effects of the infection is offensive breath.
- Diabetes – People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing gum disease and having bad breath. If you suspect you have diabetes, then you should contact your doctor immediately to have the appropriate tests done.
- Dry Mouth – A dry mouth is more conducive to bacteria growth and can cause unpleasant breath. Certain medications can also contribute to this condition. Consult with your general doctor and dentist to find a healthy solution.
How Your Dentist Can Help
There are several ways that your dentist can help you overcome bad breath. One way is through the cleaning you’ll receive at a six-month visit. Lingering plaque and tartar that contribute to dental health problems and foul breath will be wiped out.
With gum disease being a significant contributor to embarrassing oral smells, your dentist offers the following remedies:
- Deep Cleaning – Also called a scaling and root planing procedure, a deep cleaning involves your dentist probing beneath the gumline to clear away bacteria and to smooth the rough surfaces of your teeth roots so they are less likely to attract bacteria in the future.
- Perio Maintenance – To help maintain the results, your dentist also offers perio maintenance visits. Whereas regular six-month appointments provide basic cleanings, perio maintenance visits are recommended every three to four months to fortify your previous work by continuing the deep cleaning process.
What to Do at Home
The most important habits to maintain at home are consistent brushing and flossing. They will help to clear away bacteria and lingering food particles that can cause your gums to inflame and the infection to flare-up again.
After receiving initial treatment from your dentist, you’ll also be given special instructions on how to stay out of harm’s way, which may include the usage of a prescription mouthwash.
If you’ve been living with bad breath and desire to correct the problem and enjoy better oral health, reach out to schedule a visit today.
About the Author
Dr. Timothy Vacek earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry and has been providing the Waverly community with the best in dental care for nearly a decade. He prides himself in building lasting relationships with his patients by being compassionate and mindful of their needs. Dr. Vacek fights bad breath and restores oral health at Amberly Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.