Why Do I Always Have Bad Breath?

UNDERSTANDING WHY YOU MIGHT HAVE BAD BREATH
Do you end up checking your breath a lot and confused why it never seems fresh? Does your breath start to smell bad within minutes of cleaning your teeth? It’s possible there’s something happening under the surface that takes diagnosis and treatment from an experienced dentist in Crystal Lake, IL. When you’ve got chronic bad breath, then keep reading to find out more about what may be causing it, what treatments may help, and how to avoid having bad breath.

WHAT IS HALITOSIS?
Bad breath is also known as halitosis. This dental problem can affect anybody for any number of reasons. It’s estimated that at one point or another, more than half of adults in America suffer from halitosis. Although it can damage your confidence to be concerned about your bad breath, it’s often simple to treat. Most instances of bad breath are brought on by tartar and plaque buildup. The bacteria causes a bad odor that can smell like sulphur.

WHAT CAUSES HALITOSIS?
There’s a lengthy list of most halitosis causes, which range from minor to serious:

  • AN INFECTION IN YOUR SINUSES: Ear, nose, and throat issues, like sinusitis, may be the source of your halitosis
  • CERTAIN FOODS: Some foods, like garlic, onion, and spices, may result in foul breath. This is temporary and will generally fade by itself once you brush your teeth.
  • BACTERIA AND BUILDUP: One of the most common cause of halitosis is buildup from debris getting caught in your mouth. If the buildup isn’t brushed off daily, it starts to create an odor.
  • A DENTAL INFECTION: An oral infection may result in breath problems
  • SMOKING OR USING TOBACCO: Tobacco is proven to create a bad odor. People who use tobacco products are also more likely to get gum disease, which can make halitosis worse.
  • YOU HAVE A DRY MOUTH: Some drugs can result in bad breath because they cause dry mouth. If your medicine gives you dry mouth, try to help to keep it moist with mouthwash and water.

DO YOU NEED TO SEE A DENTIST?
When you’ve got awful breath that isn’t getting better after changing your dental hygiene and lifestyle, then you might want to schedule a consultation with a dentist. Daily modifications, such as cleaning more frequently, flossing every day, and drinking lots of water ought to get rid of your bad breath. If it doesn’t, it could possibly be a sign that something serious is happening. If a dentist feels like your halitosis isn’t brought on by a dental issue, they can recommend seeing a primary care doctor in Crystal Lake, IL for answers.

HOW TO FIND THE CAUSE
Generally, bad breath is easily fixed by an experienced dentist in Crystal Lake, IL. In certain circumstances, it might be a sign that something bigger is happening, like tooth decay, gum problems, diabetes, or a kidney disorder. During your consultation to talk about your concerns about your breath, you will probably need a thorough oral exam, with digital images. Your dentist can inquire about your health history to ascertain the reason for your halitosis. The consultation will probably end with comprehensive instructions on taking care of your mouth to reduce buildup and treat your halitosis.

OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT
The easiest option to take care of bad breath, avoid cavities, and also decrease your chance of gum problems, is to always have good oral hygiene. If this doesn’t stop your bad breath, additional treatment may be required, based on the reason. For causes linked to dental health, your dentist may provide products and tips that will help you address the issue. This could include specific mouthwash and toothpastes. In the event your bad breath is related to a buildup of bacteria and plaque on your teeth, then your dentist might suggest a deep cleaning along with the use of an antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash. This will kill germs and keep it from building up on your teeth. If your halitosis is caused by gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, your dentist may suggest a special treatment. Gum (periodontal) disease is a progressive problem that may result in receding gums as well as bone and tooth loss. Scaling and root planing therapy plus antibiotics can save you from additional damage while freshening your breath.

PREVENTING BAD BREATH
There’s numerous methods to help you avoid halitosis, buildup, in addition to periodontal disease. The easiest of which would be to brush at least two times per day. More frequently whenever you eat foods that may become trapped in your teeth. Have a toothbrush at your workplace or in your handbag. An antibacterial toothpaste has been proven to decrease and protect against halitosis. Another easy trick is to floss at least one time daily. Flossing removes plaque and debris from areas you can’t see, to stop bacteria from developing. Cleaning your tongue may also decrease bad breath because it could harbor bacteria, particularly in people who have chronic dry mouth caused by medication as well as smokers. Also, keep your mouth from getting dry during the day. Plain water is the ideal option since beverages like coffee and soda may cause a drier mouth. Chewing gum may help by stimulating saliva. Change your diet to limit foods, like garlic and onions that can give you bad breath. Finally, make certain to keep twice yearly cleanings with a dentist in Crystal Lake, IL to help keep your breath clean and your mouth healthy.

MAKE SURE YOUR BREATH IS FRESH
When you are worried about your bad breath, then speak with your dentist about potential underlying causes and treatment choices. At DentalWorks – Crystal Lake, our staff performs dental examinations to identify and treat halitosis for our patients. We’re pleased to help all of your patients in Crystal Lake, IL so they can have better breath and a healthier mouth with proactive care in addition to restorative treatments. Get in touch with our office in Crystal Lake, IL to schedule your appointment.