Bad Breath: Causes and Treatments
Everyone’s had an occasional brush with bad breath, which is usually no cause for worry. If, however, the condition persists, our team at Bridget Singh, DDS, can help. We will uncover the causes of your bad breath and develop a plan to get you on track to a fresh, confident smile. We invite you to visit our Seattle practice to get started today!
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Bad breath, a condition known as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:
Odor-Causing Foods: Garlic, onions, and certain aromatic spices can release volatile compounds that cause bad breath. Brushing and rinsing your teeth with mouthwash can temporarily mask the bad breath but won’t eliminate it until the odor-causing substances pass through the body.
Oral Health Concerns: Bad breath is often linked to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, oral infection, and dry mouth. It can also result from damaged dental restorations like fillings, which can provide odor-causing bacteria the perfect environment to thrive.
Poor Oral Hygiene: If food particles and debris are not removed with regular brushing and flossing, they provide bacteria with a plentiful food supply to feast and flourish. That can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can both result in bad breath. Moreover, food that collects on the teeth and gums can break down, leaving you with an unpleasant taste and odor in the mouth.
Tobacco products: Tobacco products can cause an unpleasant mouth odor and leave you at risk of gum disease, a leading cause of bad breath. They also contain nicotine, which can cause dry mouth and make bad breath worse.
Medical Conditions or Medications: Bad breath is sometimes a warning sign of medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney problems, respiratory and tonsil infections, and postnasal drip. It can also result from medications that cause dry mouth or release chemicals with unpleasant odors.
How Can You Manage Your Bad Breath?
The first line of defense against not-so-fresh breath is improving your oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria on your tongue and clean dental appliances like dentures, aligners, or mouthguards.
Lifestyle changes can also help. Limit the consumption of onions, garlic, and odor-causing foods and spices, and refrain from smoking or using tobacco products. Drink plenty of water to flush away bacteria and food debris. If you have a dry mouth, we recommend sucking on sugar-free candy with xylitol to increase the production of saliva, which helps keep your mouth clean and fresh.
What Are Treatments for Bad Breath?
If bad breath persists despite improved oral hygiene care and lifestyle changes, Dr. Singh is here to help. She may recommend treatments for tooth decay, periodontal disease, or oral infections to address the underlying causes of your bad breath. She may also repair damaged dental restorations, prescribe artificial saliva to address dry mouth, or recommend a medicated rinse to help eliminate bad breath.
If current medications are causing dry mouth, Dr. Singh may recommend speaking with your healthcare provider about the possibility of switching to different drugs. She may also recommend visiting your physician to address underlying health conditions causing bad breath.
How Can You Maintain a Clean and Fresh Smile?
Aside from maintaining excellent oral hygiene, one of the most important things you can do for your oral health and to keep your breath smelling fresh is to visit your dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Singh and our dedicated team will remove plaque and tartar buildup and treat any dental issues as they develop, ensuring your breath stays clean and fresh.
Bad Breath Treatments Near Me in Seattle, WA
Don’t let bad breath hold you back. Visit Bridget Singh, DDS, to learn more about addressing the root causes of your concerns. Dr. Singh and her exceptional team are here to support your smile every step of the way. We invite you to schedule a consultation by using this link or by calling our office at 206-399-3775.