Halitosis (Bad Breath) Treatment
Chronic bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, can be embarrassing but is completely treatable. With deep cleanings and professional guidance, you don't have to go on living with bad breath.
Bad Breath/Halitosis Treatment
An estimated 1 in 4 people globally suffer from chronic bad breath/ halitosis. It’s a common problem and while chronic bad breath can cause embarrassment and anxiety, there are remedies.
Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria that is trapped in your mouth for an extended amount of time. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints, and gum can only cover up the issue.
At Dental Care East Hanover, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed by regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, and potentially tongue scraping, is necessary to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line.
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What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and can be made worse by certain foods. If particles of food are left in the mouth their decomposition releases sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. If regular brushing, flossing, and hydration don’t solve it, the best solution is to see your dentist for deep cleaning.
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What is the best chewing gum for bad breath?
Chewing gum can help remedy bad breath until you are able to see your dentist for deep cleaning. The best chewing gum is sugar-free chewing gum. The sweetness of this gum comes from alternatives to sugar such as xylitol so it doesn’t cause tooth decay.
Besides masking bad breath, chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums between meals. Teeth are more at risk of an acid attack immediately after meals. Chewing gum helps to reduce acid and the harm it causes. It prompts the mouth to produce more saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid.
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Does smoking cause bad breath?
Many smokers suffer from bad breath from time to time. Heavy smokers are usually more frequently affected, but occasional smokers also get bad breath. Studies suggest that smokers are less likely than non-smokers to even notice that they have bad breath.
Smoking and vaping cause dry mouth and create a film on the teeth that bacteria can cling to. This thin film creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Dry mouth has a significant correlation to smoking and vaping, which is also a leading cause of halitosis. Dry mouth not only affects breath but also affects gingivitis which makes regular dental checkups even more important for smokers and other tobacco users.
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Can I get rid of halitosis permanently?
In many cases, halitosis can be effectively treated and managed with proper oral hygiene habits and lifestyle changes. However, if halitosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, it may require professional treatment to manage or resolve completely.
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Is there a specific diet or foods that can help with halitosis?
While certain foods like garlic and onions can contribute to bad breath, there are also foods that can help freshen your breath, such as parsley, mint, apples, carrots, and yogurt. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep your mouth hydrated and reduce bad breath.
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Can I prevent halitosis from coming back?
You can help prevent halitosis from coming back by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, avoiding foods that cause bad breath, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and managing any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
Questions About Bad Breath Treatment?
If you have more questions about halitosis/bad breath treatment, contact our office and we'll be happy to discuss further. Feel free to schedule an appointment online through the button below.
