What Is Halitosis?

Halitosis is an oral condition that causes the breath to smell bad. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and can also be caused by other health problems. In a lot of cases, the condition can be made worse by the type of food a person eats as well as unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Everything patients need to know about halitosis

One of the leading causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends brushing the teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Failure to do so leads to food particles being stuck between the teeth promoting bacterial growth between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums, eventually causing halitosis.The food that people consume, especially the ones with strong odors, can also lead to halitosis. For example, eating garlic or onions will result in bad breath. Even though brushing and flossing the teeth masks the smell, it will linger until the foods have passed through the body. People who smoke or use other tobacco products are also likely to have bad breath as are the people who fail to properly clean their dentures.Saliva, or the lack of it, is also a leading cause of bad breath. The mouth produces saliva to neutralize the acids produced by plaque and wash away the dead cells on the tongue, gums and cheeks. If these cells are not removed, they decompose and can cause bad breath. In some cases, dry mouth can be caused by medications, salivary gland problems or breathing through the mouth continuously.

Practice good oral hygiene to prevent halitosis

Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly can go a long way toward preventing halitosis. Even though dentists prefer it if patients brush their teeth after every meal, it can be difficult for most people to do. For those who are unable to brush after every meal, they are advised to rinse their mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after each meal and to chew sugar-free gum to promote the production of saliva.

Avoid tobacco products

Tobacco products make the breath smell and can also lead to other oral and general health problems. Quitting cold turkey can be difficult for a lot of people, but dentists can provide tips on how to kick the habit.

Make regular trips to the dentist

Going to the dentist at least twice a year helps to keep the teeth healthy. It also helps to prevent halitosis because the dentist will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor during oral exams and professional teeth cleaning.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking water will keep the mouth moist and help wash away the dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums and cheeks.

Conclusion

Halitosis is something that millions of people have to deal with, but it is also treatable. If you have bad breath, talk to your dentist to get more tips on how to treat it. Schedule a consultation today. Enjoy fresh breath again.Request an appointment here: https://www.mariettaroswelldentist.com or call Marietta Roswell Dental Care at (770) 993-2657 for an appointment in our Roswell office.Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Hygiene Basics in Roswell, GA.