Understanding And Treating Halitosis

Everyone experiences bad breath at one time or another. Unfortunately, a large portion of individuals experience chronic bad breath. As a matter of fact, one in four individuals have bad breath on a regular basis. Known as halitosis, this condition causes a great deal of emotional distress. Thankfully, help is available. By understanding the causes, you will be able to find the best treatment for your case of halitosis.

Causes

You may be surprised by what can cause chronic bad breath. In most cases, it stems from consuming certain foods and beverages. For example, if you eat a lot of garlic or onions, you will most likely have halitosis because they break down and travel through the bloodstream and into the lungs, resulting in bad breath.

Smoking and using tobacco products of any type will also affect your breath. In addition, tobacco can dry out your mouth, increasing the risk of bacterial growth, infections, and gum disease that cause your breath to be foul.

If you follow a special diet, such as a diet low in carbohydrates, you may have bad breath as well. While eating low carb, your body produces smelly chemicals to break down fats. Known as ketones, these chemicals have a strong odor that can linger in your mouth.

Lastly, improper oral hygiene will cause you to have halitosis. Without proper brushing and flossing, food and bacteria will build up on the teeth and gums, leading to plaque and tartar. This residue is not only responsible for your bad breath, but it can also lead to serious dental issues, such as cavities, decay, and periodontal disease.

Treatment

Living with halitosis is possible, but it can decrease your self-esteem. Therefore, consult your dentist if you have constant bad breath. After a detailed exam, your dentist will be able to determine the cause of your bad breath, helping design a treatment plan suited to your needs.

If you consume foods that cause your bad breath, limiting your intake may be necessary. Of course, focusing on proper brushing and flossing, and scheduling routine dental cleanings, will also be helpful.

The same treatment plan is essential if you are a smoker or tobacco user. Consider breaking the habit first. Then, ensure you are following your dentist's recommendations to care for your teeth and gums.

Using antibacterial mouthwashes is also helpful if your mouth is suffering from bad breath along with other dental issues, such as cavities and decay. If you have developed gum disease, a more involved cleaning and scaling procedure may be necessary for removing this heavy residue from the teeth and gums.

Halitosis affects your breath and emotional well-being while the causes can affect your overall health. This guide will help you understand the causes and treatment options if you have a case of chronic bad breath.