Chronic bad breath that occurs regardless of the foods we eat is often a result of oral health issues, like gum disease and tooth decay. Fortunately, general dentistry treatments can help restore oral health and reduce the symptoms of bad breath. To find out more about bad breath treatments, read this overview from Chicago dentist Craig S. Kohler.
What Causes Bad Breath?
The bad breath treatment that is right for you is greatly determined by the cause of the condition. Bad breath is common after eating certain foods, like garlic and onions. When caused by food, bad breath will go away once the food is fully digested. When bad breath is constantly present, regardless of the foods eaten, it is often an indication of oral or general health problems. Some of the causes of bad breath include:
- Certain foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks can leave the breath smelling foul. Onions, garlic, alcohol, and coffee can leave behind strong odors long after you’ve eaten.
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave the breath smelling offensive to those around you.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay can cause bad breath. When tooth decay is the culprit, bad breath will persist and even worsen until the decay is treated.
- Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to chronic bad breath.
- Oral yeast infections: Oral yeast infections are another cause of bad breath and can develop in denture wearers, smokers, diabetics, and those who have been on antibiotics for a prolonged amount of time.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a general health issue that can cause persistent bad breath.
- Acid reflux: Those who suffer from acid reflux may also suffer from bad breath due to stomach acids moving up the esophagus.
Bad Breath Treatments
Treating bad breath depends on the cause. Temporary bad breath caused by foods or drinks is easy to prevent and can be masked with mint-flavored sugar-free gums or mints. Chronic bad breath is generally a sign of oral or general health problem and may require both a dental and physical exam to properly treat. Some ways to treat bad breath include:
- Treating tooth decay: Treating tooth decay with such treatments as tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, inlays, or onlays can help restore oral health and reduce bad breath.
- Treating gum disease: Gum disease can cause chronic bad breath. Treatments like root planing and scaling can eliminate gum disease and reduce bad breath.
- Practicing proper oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups, is vital to reducing oral health problems and keeping your breath at its best.
- Avoiding certain foods: Avoiding certain foods, like raw onions and garlic, can help keep bad breath at bay.
- Chewing sugar-free mint gum: Sugar-free mint flavored gums or mints can mask bad breath to temporarily relieve the problem.
- Treating general health issues: Bad breath caused by general health issues, like diabetes and acid reflux will persist until the underlying health issues are addressed.
Schedule a Consultation
Find out which treatments are right for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kohler today.