Halitosis (Bad Breath) Treatment
You don’t have to live with chronic bad breath – a medical condition known as halitosis. There are ways to prevent it and eliminate bad breath once and for all.
Bad Breath/Halitosis Treatment in Boca Raton, FL
Millions of people – an estimated 1 in 4 people globally – suffer from chronic bad breath/ halitosis. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety, but it’s relatively easy to remedy.
Halitosis is caused by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue and between teeth. These bacteria break down proteins and release sulfur compounds, contributing to the unpleasant odor. The key to dealing with it is treating the problem’s root—removing the odor’s source. Over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints, and gum only mask the problem.
Harris Dentistry treats halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not commonly accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We can also perform tongue scraping if the tongue is the source of the smell.
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What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking, certain foods (such as onions and garlic), and medical conditions like respiratory infections, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems.
The most common cause of halitosis is inadequate dental hygiene (e.g., not brushing and flossing twice daily). If food particles are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds. If regular brushing, flossing, and hydration don’t solve it, the best solution is to see your dentist for a deep cleaning.
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What is the best chewing gum for bad breath?
Chewing gum can help remedy bad breath until you are able to see your dentist for a deep cleaning. The best chewing gum is sugar-free chewing gum. The sweetness of this gum comes from sweeteners and not sugar, so it doesn’t cause tooth decay.
In addition to masking bad breath, chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums between meals. Teeth are more at risk of an acid attack directly after you’ve eaten. Chewing gum after a meal helps reduce acid and the harm it may cause to your teeth. It prompts the mouth to produce more saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid.
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Does smoking cause bad breath?
Many smokers suffer from bad breath. Heavy smokers are usually more frequently affected, but occasional smokers also get bad breath. Studies suggest that smokers experience a deterioration in sensitivity, so you may not even realize you have bad breath or be able to smell it on yourself.
The tobacco itself causes bad breath in smokers—the lungs retain a measure of the tobacco smoke for a while after the cigarette has been extinguished, and these chemicals remain in the mouth, making a more significant case for halitosis.
Another side effect of smoking is dry mouth, caused by bacteria in the mouth from tobacco. Dry mouth has a significant correlation to smoking, which is also a leading cause of halitosis. Dry mouth affects not only breath but also gingivitis, making an even bigger case for the importance of regular dental checkups if you are a smoker.
Questions About Bad Breath Treatment?
If you have more questions about halitosis/bad breath treatment, contact us or schedule an appointment using the links below, or explore the variety of other dental services we provide.
