If you suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis, the Albany Place Dental Practice team is here to help you. Whether it’s a temporary problem or something you’ve been noticing in the longer term, a dental visit will allow us to diagnose the cause and address it promptly. You’ll also be given advice on how to avoid future bad breath problems.
What Causes Temporary Bad Breath?
Short-term bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, pungent food or drink, smoking and decreased saliva production. The easiest treatment is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and keep your dental checkup appointments.
If you have dentures, removable bridges, partial plates or orthodontics, follow your dentist’s daily cleaning instructions.
Bad breath caused by smoking or certain food and drink can be helped by cleaning your teeth directly after. If you’re not able to do so, breath spray, mints, gum or mouth wash may help.
Saliva production that has decreased can be helped by ensuring proper hydration. Some medications may have this as a side effect.
What Causes Persistent Bad Breath?
Bacteria on your tongue. The most common cause of bad breath, bacteria on the tongue break down protein and produce gases with unpleasant odors. Treatment is quite simple, carried out with a tongue scraper. Mouthwash may also help.
Research from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry revealed that cleaning your tongue daily is successful in combating bad breath.
- Tooth Decay – A tooth that’s rotten or has an abscess doesn’t only smell or look bad – it can become a severe problem that affects your overall health. Please book an appointment as soon as possible for immediate treatment.
- Gum Disease – An infection of the gums or supportive bone, periodontal (gum) disease is most often the result of plaque buildup, which then transforms to calculus. If left untreated, it can cause an infection under the gums.
- Other Causes – Certain diseases like diabetes, digestive issues and forms of infection can be the source of bad breath, making your regular checkups and the identification of the cause of vital importance.
To find out more about treatment for bad breath in Albany Creek, contact our team today!