When Should You See a Dentist About Bad Breath Treatment?

It is perfectly normal to have bad breath once in a while or in the mornings, but an offensive odor that lingers all day is not typical. Formally known as halitosis, bad breath can be caused by a myriad of things, from the foods you eat to underlying medical issues.

For most people, bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. As a result, these people have abnormally high concentrations of bacteria in their mouths, and these microorganisms produce volatile sulfur gases that smell like rotten eggs.

Bad breath can have a significant impact on how those around you perceive you. We all tend to avoid people with bad breath so that we do not have to endure the offensive smells coming out of their mouths. That is hardwired into the human psyche, since avoiding sulfur gases helps to keep us alive. They smell offensive for a reason. Your body is trying to tell you to get away from whatever is causing the smell.

Getting treatment for bad breath

Anyone who notices that their breath usually or consistently smells bad should take steps to improve their oral hygiene immediately. Simple things like brushing after meals or at least twice a day can help to lower the bacterial population in the mouth and starve them of the things they need to make smelly gas. Flossing once a day is just as important since halitosis is sometimes caused by decaying food particles stuck between teeth.

If improvements to oral hygiene do not solve the problem, it is time to consult with a dentist. The dentist can make a diagnosis that pinpoints the cause of the person’s issues. Common issues that can cause bad breath include:

• Gum disease: Gum disease is one of the most common reasons people seek dental treatment, and it leads to a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath when it reaches its advanced stages. Known as periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease is a serious dental issue that has been linked with chronic health problems like diabetes and heart disease. A dentist can help to address this by performing treatments that address the patient’s gum disease, such as deep cleanings
• Health issues: Bad breath has also been linked to some serious health issues like diabetes, liver disease, and bronchitis. Some people head to the dentist complaining about how their breath smells, only to find out they have bigger problems than halitosis. Health issues like diabetes are a lot easier to treat and manage when they are detected early
• Poor lifestyle choices: A person’s lifestyle choices also affect how their breath smells. For example, people who smoke are more likely to have bad breath. The same goes for people who have dry mouths due to not being properly hydrated. Getting treatment for halitosis often helps to detect such poor lifestyle choices so they can be addressed

Get fresher breath

Our dentist can diagnose the cause of your bad breath and perform appropriate treatment. Give us a call or visit our Killeen clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.texasstarsmiles.com or call Texas Star Smiles & Fastbraces at (254) 237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Hygiene Basics in Killeen, TX.