Bad Breath Treatment: Slay Your Dragon (Breath)
Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist offers the latest cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to improve dental health and enhance your smile. Yet general dental care is the backbone of our practice, which is why we help treat all problems, great and small. Sometimes a small problem may be the sign of something big, though. With that in mind, we'd like to consider the nature of bad breath and how it can be successfully treated and managed.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Some of the most common causes of bad breath are as follows:
- Oral Bacteria - The bacteria that regularly occurs in the mouth feasts on food particles and creates unpleasant odors in the process
- Tooth Decay and Gum Disease - Both tooth decay and gum disease are caused by oral bacteria, so it's no surprise that bad breath is common when dealing with these dental problems
- Dry Mouth - Dry mouth means that dead cells in the mouth are allowed to fester rather than get swept away, and it also makes conditions more ideal for oral bacteria to thrive
- Smoking and Tobacco Products - Tobacco products have a distinct and unpleasant odor to them, which is just another reason to avoid cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Foods and Beverages - Certain foods (e.g., onions, garlic, fish) and beverages (e.g., alcoholic beverages, coffee) can lead to bad breath, so be wary with what you consume
- Systemic Conditions - Bad breath may be a sign of a health problem involving the sinuses, the lungs, the digestive tract, or the throat, so be sure to seek medical attention in cases of chronic bad breath paired with other symptoms
Treating Bad Breath at Home on Your Own
There are a few things that you can do at home in order to manage bad breath and have good dental health in the long run:
- Brushing and Flossing Regularly - Brushing and flossing regularly helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease and properly manages your oral bacteria
- Quit Using Tobacco Products - Bad breath is the least of your worries when it comes to tobacco products, but it's another great reason why you should quit
- Reduce Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages - Be sure to drink in moderation to keep your breath smelling its very best
- Avoid Foods That Cause Bad Breath - You know the problem foods that make odors in your mouth linger, so be sure to avoid them if you don't want to have bad breath in certain situations
- Stay Hydrated with Water - Drinking water through the day helps keep the saliva flowing and also removes food particles that can cause bad breath
- Use Sugar-Free Gum and Mints - To mask bad breath or potential bad breath, use sugar-free chewing gum or mints
Professional Treatment Options for Bad Breath
If the at-home treatments don't work out, professional care such as the following may be in order:
- Treating Gum Disease and Tooth Decay - Your dentist will help address damage to your teeth and gums caused by oral bacteria, improving your breath as well as your dental wellness
- Antiseptic Rinses - Special rinses may be used to help manage and remove oral bacteria if it becomes a major problem
- Medical Care for Systemic Conditions - When a health condition is the cause of your bad breath, undergoing professional care with a doctor to address the matter is always best
Schedule a Consultation at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist
To learn more about the dental treatment options available that can help you have a beautiful and healthy smile, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. We at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist look forward to your visit and helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
