Bad breath causes a lot of embarrassment when in social situations. Also known as halitosis, bad breath can lead to anxiety, anti-social behavior, and psychological stress. Beyond discomfort, bad breath is also a health concern that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bad breath treatment Langley focuses on finding the cause behind halitosis and then provides apt treatment accordingly. Here are a few causes of bad breath that you should know for getting the correct treatment.
Causes of bad breath
Dry mouth –dehydration, mouth breathing, anxiety
A dry mouth means less saliva production. Saliva is needed to flush out food particles stuck between teeth and gums, which can then lead to bad breath. Some reasons that trigger dry mouth and obstruction in saliva production are:
- Mouth breathing at night
- Dehydration
- Certain medications
- Anxiety
- Consumption of certain food items
Inconsistent brushing and flossing
A major cause that leads to halitosis is irregular cleaning habits. When you do not brush or floss daily and efficiently, bacteria do not get cleaned, leading to oral problems and bad breath. When you eat food, the bacteria feed on the particles stuck between teeth and grow in numbers. This eventually leads to increased halitosis.
Tongue bacteria
Sometimes, even after brushing and flossing, bad breath is still possible. This is because of bacteria on the tongue. Generally, people don’t clean their tongues, developing a thick white layer on the tongue. This leads to a foul smell.
Smoking
Smoker’s breath is a common problem that occurs due to excessive smoking. Chemicals are released when you smoke, which slowly deposit on the lining of the mouth and teeth, causing bad breath. The only solution is to quit smoking and then treat other oral issues caused by smoking.
Cavities
Bad oral habits contribute to the growth of bacteria and infections. Cavities are early signs of tooth decay, which contributes to halitosis. The smell also increases with an increase in the number or depth of cavities.
Cracked teeth or prosthetic devices
Cracked teeth or prosthetic devices create a gap for infection, causing germs to seep inside and create damage. This damage results in cavities and caries that cause bad breath. A broken prosthetic device is challenging to clean and slowly gets discolored and starts smelling.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a gum disease that has different stages. It starts with bacteria and plaque formation around teeth and gum lines. It gradually spreads within the dental structure. Bad breath is the starting symptom of periodontal disease.
Diet
Consuming excess sugar feeds the bacteria, resulting in more and more dental damage. Besides sugar, alcohol, excess caffeine, and other unhealthy food contribute to bad oral health, eventually leading to halitosis.
Chronic health conditions
Besides dental problems, bad breath can also indicate specific underlying health issues. A few health issues that result in bad breath include:
- Diabetes
- GERD
- Liver issues
- Kidney diseases
- Sinus
- Postnasal drip, etc.
Detecting the reason for bad breath within time helps treat the issue before it increases and causes severe problems.
Bad breath treatment Langley
Healthy diet
A healthy diet contributes to the overall well-being of the human body. Eating fresh and healthy food ensures the body is fit to fight all the bacteria, eventually preventing infections and bad breath. Along with a healthy diet, water intake is equally important.
Controlling a dry mouth is key to preventing bad breath. Drinking a lot of water allows mouth dryness to keep away and stimulates saliva production. It also helps flush out stuck food and bacteria that lead to halitosis.
Good oral habits
Regular and proper brushing, flossing, and mouth rinsing help keep the mouth clean and away from all harmful bacteria. Good oral habits also mean quitting bad habits that cause damage to oral health. Smoking, drinking, excess caffeine consumption, stress, and anxiety are key contributors to all health issues, including bad breath. Improving your habits is the first step to treating bad breath.
Regular dental checkups
Regular dental checkups ensure that the oral health is not compromised. It also helps early detection of any decay or damage. The dentist does a thorough checkup and treats issues like cavities, broken or chipped teeth, tartar formation, etc., before it starts penetrating deep layers.
Controlling underlining diseases
A dentist helps you understand whether the bad breath is due to dental problems or other underlying health issues. If the cause of bad breath and dental problems is a hidden disease, treating it is important to prevent further damage.
Over-the-counter products
Certain medicated products like toothpaste and mouthwash are available in the market that can help with temporary relief from bad breath. If the cause is infection, prescribed antibiotics and other medications are vital.
Deep cleaning at Forest Hills Dental Centre
Regular deep cleaning helps keep your mouth free of bacteria and other dental problems. It helps you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile that doesn’t smell.
If you are looking for bad breath treatment Langley, Forest Hills Dental Care Centre is the right place. Professional dentists analyze the cause of halitosis so that you can get complete relief from bad breath and regain your lost confidence when you are with your social circle.