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What Causes Halitosis & How Do I Stop It?

Drawing of a woman with bad breath receiving treatment to fix her bad breath

Everyone gets occasional bad breath that can be solved with brushing or rinsing with mouthwash. But with halitosis, your bad breath never seems to go away. What are some reasons for halitosis and how can you stop it?

There are a handful of possible underlying causes linked to chronic bad breath. Here are four examples:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease

The bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease produce strong, foul smells. If you have bad breath that won’t go away, you may have a severe buildup of bacteria on your teeth and under your gumline.

Improve your oral hygiene by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time (remember to brush your tongue!) and floss at least once a day. You may likely benefit from periodontal services at the dentist, such as antibiotics to treat infection and a deep cleaning to scrape away the accumulated plaque and tartar.

2. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth occurs when your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. This matters because saliva helps neutralize acid, rinse away food debris, and fight tooth decay and gum disease.

Drink plenty of water and use a mouthwash specially-formulated to combat mouth dryness.

3. Smoking & Tobacco Use

Many tobacco products have a strong odor on their own but they can also lead to dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Tobacco suppresses your immune system and makes it harder to fight off infection.

Stop using tobacco products as soon as possible! Consult with your primary care provider about resources.

4. Underlying Health Problems

Halitosis is usually connected to your oral health, but bad breath can be a sign of other medical issues like diabetes, gastric reflux, liver disease, or kidney disease. While it’s worth visiting a dentist first when you have chronic bad breath, you may need to see other medical professionals if the source of the problem remains unclear.

Tackling Bad Breath in Henderson, NV

Dr. Villamayor and our team are proud to offer comprehensive dental services for your whole family. If you’re struggling with halitosis, we can examine your mouth, diagnose (or rule out) any oral health problems, and recommend possible treatments.

Have questions about bad breath or want to schedule an appointment at Amber Hills Dental? Please contact us today!

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