If you suffer from halitosis, your bad breath may be affecting your confidence, comfort, and professionalism. Sometimes, you’ve done everything you can to quelch the stench and it still never goes away. That’s stressful! If you have bad breath even after brushing your teeth, it may not be something you can treat on your own.
An Orange Park dentist can help you determine the underlying cause of your halitosis, so you can kick your bad breath for good.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Halitosis?
For most people, bad breath is connected to the onions they had on their burger or the abundance of garlic on their pasta. The bacteria in your mouth produce a large amount of sulfur when breaking down these foods. Unfortunately for some, that smell doesn’t go away after the typical methods like brushing, rinsing, and gum.
If you have a stubborn case of halitosis, there are a few possible causes.
Dry Mouth
In itself, dry mouth isn’t the absolute answer to the question of why your halitosis never goes away. Dry Mouth is often a symptom of a larger problem. Your dentist can help you determine if dry mouth is a symptom of a dental or behavioral problem or if you need to see your primary physician for further diagnosis.
Relating to your dental health, dry mouth can be the result of the things you consume, including cigarettes and alcohol. It can also be a symptom of Gum disease, a common but serious condition related to poor oral hygiene, and in some cases, genetics.
Infection
In the later stages of gum disease, the gums and teeth can become infected. Sometimes, pus forms at the gum line. In other cases, abscesses form that swell and radiate pain to other parts of the jaw and face. Infection of this severity is often the result of advanced tooth decay and large periodontal pockets that stem from receding gums.
Infection isn’t always easy to spot, however. If you’re experiencing pain and tenderness, swelling, redness, a bad taste in your mouth, nausea, or fever, visit an emergency dentist. They can assess you for an infection that may be the root cause of your halitosis.
Poor or Insufficient Oral Hygiene Practices
While your gums and teeth may not be showing signs of infection or gum disease just yet, your routine may be falling short in some way. Many people don’t brush and floss their teeth as thoroughly or for as long as they should.
Your dentist can offer you individualized instructions to better your hygiene, but here are some general best practices:
- Brush with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Brush for at least two minutes, three times a day
- Brush and floss immediately after eating
- Brush at a 45-degree angle so you get your gum line, too
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
- Use a toothbrush that feels comfortable
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and gums
- Rinse away food debris after brushing
If you have persistent bad breath, mouthwash may help you stay fresh for longer. Mouthwash isn’t right for everyone, so talk with your dentist about the proper usage.
Our Orange Park Dentist Can Treat Your Halitosis
No one should have to suffer through bad breath. You deserve to feel confident, heard, and welcomed in your social circles. We want to treat your symptoms and the underlying cause, so you can enjoy a higher quality of life. At Lakeside Dental Care, our Florida-based team of professionals aims to change the way you experience the dentist’s office.
To experience professional, compassionate, and state-of-the-art dental care, call 904-204-6472 to schedule an appointment.
