Bad Breath 101: What Causes Bad Breath And How Can A Dentist Treat It?

Dental Health | Healthy Smile | pacific family dental | Sherwood, OR

A dental condition that can be the source of great embarrassment is that of bad breath. Also known as halitosis, bad breath can affect one’s oral health, self-confidence, and personal relationships—especially with their significant others. However, by finding the cause of one’s bad breath, treatment can be simple and patients can eliminate bad breath once and for all. If you suffer from halitosis and are trying to determine its cause, it may be time to speak to the dental professionals of New Smiles Dental in Sherwood, OR.

What can cause bad breath?

The cause of bad breath may be due to a combination of factors, or due to one factor alone. Below are some of the most common causes of halitosis:

  • Food. Foods such as garlic, peppers, and onions are notorious for causing bad breath. While it may seem like common sense to avoid these issues, it is also important to understand that some of these highly odorous foods actually enter into the bloodstream and can cause a more internal problem. By cutting back on these foods, many patients see a reduction in the severity of their halitosis.
  • Gum disease. Periodontal disease causes bacteria to accumulate in the soft tissues of the mouth and can contribute to bad breath. By treating periodontal disease, patients may find that not only is their smile healthier, but their bad breath is easier to control.
  • Bacteria/decay. When patients do not brush and floss their teeth as directed, they may be causing bits of food and bacteria to accumulate on the teeth. Abscessed teeth, cavities, and other problems can result in chronic halitosis. Dental decay may become a problem well before it becomes painful for patients. With routine dental examinations, most patients can find these problems early enough before they become a more serious problem.
  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by a lowered production of saliva that keeps the mouth hydrated. Most patients experience minor discomfort with dry mouth, but it can also lead to bad breath. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water and speak to their primary care physician about certain medications that may be causing dry mouth as a side effect.
  • Medical conditions. There are some medical conditions that can also increase one’s risk of developing more chronic halitosis. These include infections of the throat, acid reflux disease, sinus infections, and even diabetes.

Contact us today to learn more about halitosis

Drs. Nathan Doyel, Ben Aanderud, and Whisenant are available to assist patients with their dental health needs, including concerns about persistent bad breath. Contact New Smiles Dental of Sherwood, OR today to schedule a consultation visit and initial evaluation with one of our professionals. We accept new patients at our facility, located at 17680 SW Handley, Suite 101. We can be reached by phone at (503) 925-9595.

Share:

More Posts

Judgment-Free, High-Quality Dentistry is Possible

Experience it for yourself!