Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can significantly affect people’s confidence or even cause anxiety. There are so many products today that can temporarily fight bad breath. However, without addressing the root of the problem, it can be a consistent issue that needs to be battled every day. Only a dentist can help you determine and treat the cause of your bad breath.

Common symptoms

Bad breath will vary from person to person, depending on what caused it in the first place. It might be difficult to assess how your breath smells by yourself, ask a family member or close friend to confirm any questions about it. Here are some other common symptoms of bad breath:

  • Dry mouth
  • White substance coating the back of the tongue
  • A constant bitter or sour taste in the mouth
  • Buildup around the teeth

If you notice these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s possible that you’re suffering from halitosis. If you’d like to get the problem fixed, get an appointment with one of our experienced dentists. They’ll examine your mouth to determine the cause of bad breath and will share a proper oral care routine to help prevent it from reoccurring.

Common causes

There are many possible causes for bad breath, such as:

  • Eating odorous foods, such as onions or garlic
  • Smoking, which can often cause gum disease
  • Poor dental hygiene causing a layer of plaque to form on the surface of teeth
  • Certain medication
  • Mouth infections or other nose or throat issues

Treatment

You must consistently practice proper oral hygiene to reduce bad breath, lower any risk of gum disease, and avoid cavities. Depending on the cause determined by your dentist, further treatment for bad breath can vary. You might also get referred to a primary care provider incase there a chance of an underlying health condition.

Dental measures include:

  • Toothpastes and mouth rinses recommended by your dentist that help kill bacteria which cause buildup of plaque.
  • Treatment for dental diseases such as gum disease. You may be referred to a periodontist (gum specialist) who can professionally clean the pockets between your gums and teeth left behind by gum disease.
  • Keeping yourself hydrated to avoid dry mouth and stop smoking or chewing on tobacco.

Adjusting your diet to avoid sugary foods or foods that cause bad breath.

Who can treat bad breath?

The professionals at Rapha Dental LLC are well-versed in this subject and can help you find the relief that you require. Our experienced dentists can help you gain your confidence back and give you the perfect smile.

Contact us today if you have any queries, or book an appointment to get your mouth checked out!