State of the Art Dental Care
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Do I have bad breath?
Most people are subject to bad breath (Halitosis) on occasion. Whether it crops up on you in the morning or develops after you eat certain foods, sporadic bad breath plagues a majority of people. Chronic bad breath, however, can be a sensitive and embarrassing issue faced by many people.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath (Halitosis) generally comes from bacteria in the mouth, often on the tongue. Bad breath can also be associated with food, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use, certain medical conditions and dental disease including tooth decay and gum disease.
Food. Daily brushing and flossing is imperative to removing food particles remaining in the mouth and around teeth. Those particles can collect bacteria and cause bad breath.
Poor dental hygiene. If you do not clean your teeth, gums and tongue on a regular basis, plaque (a colorless deposit composed of bacteria) can build up, resulting in bad breath.
Tobacco Use. Smoking can cause chronic bad breath because the tar and nicotine build up on surfaces in the mouth. Also, smoking blocks saliva flow, leading to the growth of bacteria. Ask your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
Medical conditions. Medical conditions such as respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, or liver or kidney ailments can cause bad breath.
Dental disease. Gum disease and tooth decay can cause bad breath. A dentist can often diagnose dental conditions allowing large amounts of bacteria and plaque to build up leading to bad breath.
How Do You Get Rid of Bad Breath?
To get rid of bad breath, make sure to brush twice a day and floss to remove odor-causing bacteria from the mouth, tongue and teeth. Anti-bacterial rinses, are also effective at treating breath malodor because they kill mouth odor-causing bacteria. To keep your breath fresh between brushings try:
- Rinsing your mouth with water after eating if unable to brush
- Chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow, which naturally cleanses teeth
- Snacking on celery, carrots or apples, which can loosen food debris while chewing
- Eating a nutritious diet. Vitamin deficiency can contribute to bad breath
- Using an antibacterial rinse to fight bad breath
- Brushing the tongue in addition to the teeth and gums
Should I take bad breath seriously?
Bad breath or Halitosis can be an indication of gum disease, tooth decay or an underlying medical condition and as such should not be taken lightly. See your dentist if you or other notice chronic bad breath.
Dr. Neal is highly skilled at diagnosing dental conditions that can lead to chronic bad breath and the best solution for you.
I want to treat my bad breath (halitosis) now
How can I get started?
Make an appointment call now
(815) 459-2202
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court, crystal Lake Illinois 60014
OR
You deserve a healthy, gorgeous smile. Call Crystal Lake Dental Associates today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Neal, a skilled cosmetic dentist and general dentist treating bad breath or halitosis for patients from Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Woodstock, McHenry, Algonquin, Cary, Huntley, all of McHenry county, and surrounding areas.