Solutions To Common Dental Problems
Bad Breath
Are you looking for bad breath solutions?
Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can have its origin from your mouth but can also come from other parts of your body including your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and stomach. Most people experience bad breath. Others have experienced close contact with someone who has bad breath.
There are many causes of bad breath. It could be due to something you have eaten or a sign or symptom there is a problem with your dental health. It could also be a symptom of medical conditions and other health problems that should be investigated fully with your GP.
Bad Breath Solutions
A visit to the dentist can help in better understanding your bad breath and identifying some bad breath solutions that could work for you.
Cause of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by either dental problems or underlying medical issues. If the source of the bad breath is dental related, it is more likely due to poor oral hygiene practices. This means teeth, gums and tongue have not been kept clean. Infections are a common cause of bad breath. Understanding why infections occur and how to stop or prevent them can help in both identifying whether your bad breath is dentally related or perhaps there is another reason. it also helps in identifying bad breath solution.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene means that plaque forms on your teeth. This is a biofilm covers your mouth, teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque releases acid which produces an odour. It is possible that the amount and type of bacteria in your mouth contributes to the creation of the unpleasant odour.
The bacteria in plaque causes the inflammation of gums. This can result in gum disease. These irritate the gum line and in time, with poor oral hygiene, they can damage the gum tissue, cause infection that spreads to the tooth's root, pulp and eventually the bone that holds the teeth in place. As the gum disease progresses, so too can the incidence and severity of bad breath to the point of it becoming chronic. Persistent bad breath can also be a sign of gum disease.
Brushing teeth is important in removing food particles and debris after eating. Food caught in between teeth and not removed by brushing or flossing can decompose, cause growth of bacteria and result in unpleasant odour. The foods you consume (eg onions, certain, spices, garlic) and lifestyle choices (alcohol and smoking) can also lead to bad breath.
Medical Conditions and Bad Breath
Medical conditions can also cause bad breath. The condition 'dry mouth' which can also be a side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth can result in bad breath. A dry mouth hinders the production of saliva. This is important because saliva is instrumental in maintaining the mineralisation and demineralisation process - or in other words, neutralises the bad bacteria and stops or slows down the break down of enamel.
FAQs about Bad Breath
If the source of your bad breath is your teeth the reasons may be:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Food impaction (food stuck between your teeth and rotting away)
- Bacteria on your tongue
- Infection
- Underlying disease
- Medications
- Smoking and tobacco
- Mouth, nose and throat infections
There are a range of treatment options that may help alleviate your bad breath:
- Undertaking regular cleanings
- Replacing fillings to improve cleanliness, avoid reducing food impaction and plaque accumulation
- Improve oral hygiene techniques – such as brushing and flossing techniques including brushing your tongue
- Adjusting your diet
There are a number of remedies that can help reduce or even prevent bad breath. These include:
- Floss regularly
- Brush teeth after food
- Have regular checkups and dental cleanings
- Change diet – avoid certain foods such as garlic and onions
Bad Breath Preventative Dental Care
Bad breath can be an indicator of gum disease, tooth decay or food impaction. Bad breath and dental care are intricately linked. Poor dental hygiene increases the risk of bad breath. In fact by simply improving you oral health regime, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, drinking plenty of water can help you get rid of bad breath.
Regular check-ups can help detect decay and gum diseases which can be a cause of bad breath. A check-up may also eliminate dental causes as a reason for your bad breath.
Chewing gum can help produce more saliva, which can overcome dry mouth and counter the build-up of bacterial from plaque. Other preventative measures and bad breath solutions include:
- taking dentures out and cleaning them thoroughly
- using fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay
- having fissure sealant applied
- clean your tongue after brushing your teeth
- eating healthy and when consuming foods that cause bad breath such as garlic and onions brush your teeth
- avoid smoking
Seeking Treatment for Bad Breath
The dentist will undertake a full assessment of your dental and overall oral health. Sometimes, if the source cannot be found a referral will be made to an oral specialist. Chronic bad breath should never be ignored and a check-up with your GP is always recommended. Regular check-ups can help detect decay and gum diseases which can be a cause of bad breath. A check-up may also eliminate dental causes as a reason for your bad breath.
To find out more about treating your bad breath and bad breath solutions, call our friendly staff at Woodville & Seaton Dental Clinic on (08) 8268 5422 or request an appointment online.
