Bad breath (halitosis) can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety to many people, especially if it’s a long-term problem that doesn’t go away. It could also be a sign of an underlying problem such as gum disease, dry mouth or a medical condition that needs urgent treatment.
As it can be hard to tell how your own breath smells, it’s not always possible to know whether halitosis is temporary or ongoing, and whether or not remedies have been effective. A dentist can conduct an assessment to determine whether or not you have halitosis. They’ll also aim to identify the cause and discuss suitable treatment options.
Common causes of bad breath
Some reasons for bad breath can include:
- Temporary odours from food and drink, such as onions, garlic and coffee
- Poor oral hygiene, leading to the build-up of bacteria on the teeth and tongue
- Cavities or crowded teeth trapping food and plaque
- A dry mouth with less saliva to cleanse the teeth of food and bacteria
- Oral infections
- Medical conditions such as acid reflux, kidney failure or post-nasal discharge
- Smoking
How to prevent bad breath
Some bad breath treatments can be done at home and involve making changes to your daily habits, while others involve getting help from a professional. Depending on what’s causing your halitosis, your dentist might recommend some of the following approaches:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or clean between your teeth at least once a day to remove bacteria and leftover food
- Clean your tongue using the back of your toothbrush or a specialised tongue scraper
- Clean any dental appliances such as braces or dentures
- Have regular dental check-ups to remove plaque and lower your risk of oral health problems
- Improve your diet, avoiding sources of odours and foods high in sugar
- Drink plenty of water to rinse and hydrate your mouth
- Don’t smoke
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
- Talk to your doctor about treating an underlying condition
How can a dentist help with bad breath?
If your dentist determines that you have halitosis, they may suggest treatments or prescribe special dental products in additional to home remedies.
Dental products
If they think you need to improve your oral health, your dentist might recommend using a special antibacterial toothpaste or adding a mouth rinse to your daily oral care routine. If you suffer from dry mouth, they may prescribe a saliva substitute to help keep your mouth moist and cleansed.
Dental treatments
Routine dental procedures that could help with bad breath include:
- Cleaning and scaling teeth
- Gum disease treatment
- New or replacement fillings for cavities
- Root canal therapy to treat an infected tooth
- Orthodontics for misaligned or crooked teeth
Bad breath treatment in Brisbane
Are you concerned about your breath or your oral health? Our experienced dentists at Swish Dental can help! Call our dentists in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or in Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341, or book an appointment here.