Everyone can agree that having bad breath can be an embarrassing situation, but having a condition that causes perpetual halitosis can be even worse. Although we try to avoid it, sometimes it’s beyond our control. Halitosis can arise from various issues, such as dry mouths, medications, food, and poor dental hygiene. When you don’t know the underlying cause, knowing how to get rid of it can be challenging. Please continue reading and contact our skilled New Jersey Dental Team to learn how we can help you eliminate your bad breath and ensure you can continue your social life without any worries.
What are the most common causes of bad breath?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria in the tongue and throat. Everyone has had bad breath, especially after eating certain foods. However, oral health issues and conditions exist where lousy breath doesn’t just disappear.
While it’s often caused by poor oral hygiene, that’s not always the case. Finding the root cause of your halitosis is crucial, as treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Several conditions can cause bad breath, including:
- Dry mouth: A person with a dry mouth has less saliva. Saliva helps to wash your mouth. If you are not producing enough saliva, bacteria will remain in your mouth and give you bad breath.
- Tobacco products: Smoking can often cause dry mouth and increase your risk for gum disease. Untreated gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to severe gum damage and tooth/bone loss.
- Medications: This may come as a surprise, but certain medications can cause bad breath. Some medications break down chemicals in your mouth, causing dry mouth.
- Foods: This will not come as a surprise, but numerous food and drinks cause bad breath. Even after brushing your teeth, beverages like coffee and foods like onions and garlic can affect your breath.
How can I get rid of it?
As mentioned above, treatments for halitosis depend on the underlying cause. So, it would be best if you visited your dentist regularly. Practicing good oral hygiene reduces bad breath and decreases the risk of gum disease. If your halitosis stems from an oral health issue, the following dental measures may help you get rid of your bad breath:
- Mouth rinses and toothpaste: Sometimes, bad breath arises from a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth. When this is the case, you may need to use toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent and an antiseptic mouth rinse that explicitly targets bacteria.
- Foods: Avoid foods that sour your breath.
- Brush and floss: It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. This means you should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Scrape your tongue: Tongue scrapers will clear any buildup on your tongue to prevent odor-causing bacteria.
- Visit your dentist regularly: You should see your dentist at least twice a year for a routine check-up. It’s imperative to have an oral exam to detect underlying causes of halitosis.
If you have halitosis, please don’t hesitate to visit the knowledgeable team at Dental Associates of Basking Ridge. We are prepared to help you determine the underlying cause of your halitosis.
