17 Jan What to Know About Halitosis
Just about everyone has bad breath once in a while, whether in the morning or after eating certain foods, such as onion. But for some people, bad breath is constant and doesn’t go away even after brushing their teeth.
If this sounds familiar, you might have halitosis, which is the medical term for chronic bad breath.
Fortunately, there are treatments available for halitosis, including a thorough dental cleaning from a San Antonio dentist. Keep reading to learn about the possible causes of halitosis and the treatment options available to you.
Common Causes of Halitosis
Like many dental conditions, there’s typically an underlying cause for halitosis. If you can identify and treat the issue, the bad breath should go away. So, if you’re tired of constantly chewing gum, using mouthwash, or eating mints to make your breath smell better, you should learn the common causes of halitosis. They include the following:
- Dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease
- Dry mouth, as you need saliva to break down food and rinse the particles from your teeth
- Smoking or chewing tobacco, especially since it can lead to gum disease and dry mouth
- Infections in the mouth, throat, or nose that cause postnasal drip
- Chronic conditions in the body, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
If you’re not sure what’s causing your bad breath, you should go to a dentist to get a checkup and dental cleaning in San Antonio. During your appointment, your dentist may be able to diagnose and treat the underlying issue.
Treatment Options
So, what can be done once you’ve been diagnosed with halitosis? You can start by improving your dental hygiene, such as by making sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss daily. While gum and mints can freshen your breath when you’re out and about, it’s only temporary and won’t help get rid of halitosis like better dental hygiene will.
You should also get a dental cleaning in San Antonio one to two times per year. During your appointment, your dentist can examine your teeth and gums to make sure there aren’t any other dental issues that could be causing bad breath.
As long as you’re getting regular dental care—including getting teeth cleaned and cavities filled—you should notice your breath starting to smell better. If you’re ready to make an appointment for a checkup and dental cleaning in San Antonio, contact us today!
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.