Signs and Symptoms of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Dentist checking the patient with the instruments

Halitosis, also known as fetor oris or bad breath affects 1 in 4 people. Halitosis can cause worry, embarrassment, and anxiety and make socializing difficult. If you suffer from halitosis, your dentist can work with you to determine and resolve the issue. But what is halitosis? Can you treat the condition with general dentistry services?

What is Halitosis and What Causes It?

In most cases, halitosis is from poor oral hygiene. The most important halitosis treatment is regular visits to your dentist for a professional dental cleaning Parker CO residents need. It is also essential to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss.

Other causes of halitosis include:

Dental Issues- Gum disease and cavities can contribute to halitosis because they provide a space for halitosis-causing bacteria to grow. Gum disease causes the gums to retract from the teeth, producing spaces that your toothbrush can’t reach
Infections- Infections in the nose, sinus, and throat can also contribute to gum disease. Infections can cause post nasal drip. Bacteria feed on the mucus which leads to bad breath
Dry mouth- Saliva helps to rinse your mouth and remove debris. This helps to prevent gum disease and cavities. You may not produce enough saliva due to medication, too much caffeine, or smoking. Certain medical conditions such as stroke, diabetes, or yeast infections can also cause dry mouth
Tobacco use- Smoking by itself produces an unpleasant odor. It also makes you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease and can cause dry mouth
Chronic Conditions- Chronic conditions such as gastric reflux, liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can also contribute to halitosis

At Home Halitosis Treatment

After people come to understand what halitosis is, the next question is how to treat it. The first line of defense against halitosis is brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing once per day. In addition, drink plenty of water, stop smoking, and cut back on caffeine. You can also begin to brush your tongue. If you stick your tongue out and look towards the back, you’ll see a white or brown coating. Bacteria can collect there and cause halitosis. Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to treat this area. To encourage saliva to flow through your mouth, try eating food like carrots or apples that require a lot of chewing or try sugar-free gum or candy. Also, talk to your dentist, who may recommend artificial saliva.

Treatment at Signature Smiles Dentistry

If you suffer from halitosis, it is crucial to speak with your dentist. Your dentist can help you to determine the cause of the problem and find a solution through dental services in Parker CO. Your dentist visit will consist of the following:

Thorough check-up- The dental hygienist will check your mouth and teeth, then scrape your teeth to remove plaque and tartar
Dental X-Rays– Your dentist will X-ray your teeth to look for cavities and other issues

Good dental hygiene is the most crucial factor in treating halitosis. Regular dental visits are also important in maintaining good dental hygiene. If you are looking for a dentist that can answer what is halitosis, contact Signature Smiles Dentistry at 720.513.8405 today. We’re ready to help you achieve your best smile possible.