Bad breath (halitosis) can cause you to hide from conversations with your friends, avoid small talk with co-workers, and turn away from kissing a loved one. For those who suffer from ongoing halitosis, an underlying cause may require professional bad breath treatment.
You may need to visit a dentist to resolve your bad breath effectively. Dentists can diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your halitosis and guide you on how to avoid it.
Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath
Many factors can cause chronic or severe bad breath, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gum disease
- Dry mouth. Halitosis can also be caused by
- Underlying medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux, liver disease, and kidney failure.[1]
While you may know what is causing your bad breath, getting a thorough evaluation from a dental professional is essential. Your dentist will examine your mouth and review your medical history to determine the root cause of your bad breath.
The Role of Dentists in Bad Breath Treatment
Dentists are essential for effectively treating halitosis because they bring advanced expertise. Dental professionals have been trained to treat teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth conditions.
They use innovative diagnostic tools and comprehensive exams to assess oral health. By checking each tooth, the gum line, and the mouth structures, dental providers can help determine the main reason you have been suffering from bad breath.
Dentists also provide a wide range of services that improve oral health and eliminate the root causes of bad breath. For example, getting regular dental cleanings is imperative to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that create the perfect environment for halitosis to flourish.
Your dentist can also discover any problems that may be causing tooth decay or gum disease. You may have a cavity you have not noticed symptoms from or receding gums that indicate gum disease. Dental health providers will diagnose and treat these concerns early to prevent them from progressing.
Customized Treatment Plans for Bad Breath
When you visit your dentist to treat bad breath, they will design a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. After a complete evaluation, your dentist comes up with the best possible cure for the specific factor causing your bad breath.
Your bad breath treatment plan may include improved oral hygiene products, gum disease treatments, or saliva stimulation for cases of dry mouth. If you have an underlying concern causing your halitosis, such as a decaying tooth, this tooth may need to be removed.
Your dentist will also educate and inform you about how to prevent bad breath in the future. By emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene, you learn how to maintain good breath and avoid oral health concerns such as gingivitis.
The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Care for Bad Breath
To avoid smelly breath, you should follow a twice daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. You must also have cleanings from your dentist twice yearly to remove plaque and tartar buildup. When you follow these steps and cure your bad breath, you may experience more confidence to engage with others, which improves your overall quality of life.
Red Flags and When to Consult a Dentist
Certain red flags manifesting alongside bad breath can indicate serious concerns. If you have pain, difficulty chewing, redness, or bleeding, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist. These symptoms often indicate periodontal disease, tooth decay, or cavities.
Fighting Stubborn Bad Breath
You might have chronic halitosis if you have bad breath, no matter how much you brush. A dental provider can find the underlying cause of your bad breath and deliver lasting treatment. To resolve bad breath for good, schedule an appointment with Albion Family Dental by calling us at 585-589-9044.
Sources:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-bad-breath#causes-and-risk-factors