Halitosis: Sounds a bit like a mysterious disease, doesn’t it? Maybe you’re more familiar with it’s common name: bad breath! And we’re not just talking about bad breath that happens when you eat something strong like garlic or onions. We’re talking chronic bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of, even if you’re good about brushing your teeth. Halitosis is a condition that shouldn’t be ignored, and we’ve got the basic facts you need to know about it in this blog post.
Causes of Halitosis
Halitosis can stem from a number of different things. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist if you have the condition so they can help pinpoint what exactly is going on and help you find the right solution that addresses the specific cause.
These are some of the most common causes of chronic bad breath:
- Cavities
- Gum Disease
- Dry Mouth
- Tobacco Usage
- Mouth, Nose, or Throat Infections
- Salivary Gland Disorders
- Chronic Acid Reflux
- Diabetes
- Liver or Kidney Conditions
- Certain Medications
Treatment Options
Halitosis treatment entirely depends on the cause of your condition. Your dentist will be able to recommend certain products that you can use, or they may recommend that you visit a general medical provider.
One thing you can do is to help promote healthy saliva flow, which in turn helps keep your breath fresh. You can do this by drinking lots of water, chewing gum (make sure it’s sugar-free gum though!), and sucking on mints (also sugar-free!). Another thing you can do is make sure your diet is full of lots of healthy fruits and vegetables. Alongside brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you can use a tongue scraper to get rid of the bad-breath-causing bacteria that lives there.
If you need more help tackling your halitosis, contact Ashley Laird, DDS today! We’re here to help.
Contact Us