What Does a Bad Breath Treatment Involve?

Bad Breath TreatmentWhile most people associate dentists with cavities, root canals and teeth cleaning, bad breath treatment is one of the common reasons people visit our Anaheim dentist office. Halitosis or bad breath is a very embarrassing problem, especially if it is chronic. It is little wonder that large portions of store shelves are devoted to products like mouthwashes, gum, mints, etc. designed to fight bad breath.  However, because few, if any, of these products, address the root of the problem, all they succeed in doing is temporarily masking the odor. Bad breath treatment involves finding and treating the cause of the halitosis.

Improving your oral hygiene, i.e. brushing thoroughly at least twice a day, using floss regularly, cleaning your tongue and avoiding foods like garlic and onions may be all it takes to get rid of halitosis. However, in some cases the problem is a little more complicated. If your bad breath persists even after you make these changes, you need to come in and see us, simply because bad breath can be symptomatic of a more serious problem.  For example, the causes of bad breath include:

  • Oral Infections: Tooth decay, gum disease or sores in the mouth can all produce halitosis. Periodontal disease, which is an advanced stage of gum disease, is caused by a buildup of oral bacteria and plaque that collects places that are hard to reach, i.e. under the gumline and between the teeth. The gums recede leaving pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to swollen bleeding gums, pus-filled cavities, and chronic bad breath. If not treated, the bacteria will attack and destroy the bone structure which means the teeth will get so loose that they will have to be extracted, or fall out on their own.  Coming in for a bad breath treatment allows us to identify if you do have an infection and to treat it.
  • Ill Fitting Or Loose Dentures: Food particles get trapped under dentures that do not fit properly, or are not cleaned regularly. The resultant bacteria can cause particularly offensive odor.
  • Dry Mouth: Because saliva not only helps digest food, but also keeps our mouth moist and helps control bacteria, bad breath can be caused by an excessively dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away food particles that would otherwise stick to the surface of the teeth leading to a build-up of plaque, the yellowish, sticky film of bacteria on the surface of, and between, teeth. Plaque is the primary cause of tooth decay because bacteria erode the enamel then infects the softer inner layer of the tooth which, as it begins to rot, also begins to produce an offensive smell.

Bad breath treatment involves a very thorough examination of your mouth and an equally in-depth review of your medical history. Should we find that your bad breath originates in your mouth, we will discuss the best course of treatment to eliminate it. This may involve treating cavities, gum disease, etc. However, should we suspect that there is another underlying and potentially more serious reason for your halitosis we will recommend that you see your physician to find the cause. For example, bad breath can be caused by an infection of the nose, throat or sinuses such as 'tonsil stones' which are formed when bacteria and other debris get trapped in the nooks and crannies of the tonsils get trapped, and ultimately calcifies. Pneumonia or bronchitis, metabolic disorders can all contribute to the problem. First, however, our Anaheim dental office will rule out any oral health issues.

Related Posts

How To Properly Take Care Of Your Teeth

Your teeth say a lot about who you are as a person, that is why it is extremely important that you take proper care of them. Failing to do so can lead to serious dental diseases like tooth decay and gingivitis. If left unchecked, these diseases can lead to significant damage to your teeth.Having damaged…

Don't Be Caught Unawares By Dental Infection

Few realize that there is a proper way to brush one's teeth and we can ensure you are keeping your teeth healthy.We offer helpful dental information such as the fact that you need to floss before brushing for any real effect. The flossing releases food particles from between teeth that the brush cleans up.Helpful Dental…

When Your Child Needs A Dental Checkup

Some dental issues start early on, meaning your child might need a dental checkup at an early age. Even if the child is relatively young, there could be tooth decay or white spots. It means you should think about making your child’s dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more.If there are…

4 FAQs About A Dental Check-Up

Much like a routine visit to the doctor’s office, a Dental Check-up is a good way to assess how you are doing with oral wellness. It is easy to get busy with life and forget about making this important appointment. However, you should make this a priority for yourself and everyone in your family.A dental…


Related Posts

What Is A Dental Crown And When Do You Need One?

What Is A Dental Crown And When Do You Need One?

Curious about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why they may make that suggestion. A crown is a common dental restoration to cover and protect a tooth with compromised structural integrity. Their natural appearance and…

Tips For Getting Used To Your Partial Dentures

4 Tips For Getting Used To Your Partial Dentures

Thinking about getting partial dentures? Continue reading to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. Partial dentures are becoming increasingly popular. Dentures are a practical tooth replacement option, but it takes some time to become used to your new partial dentures. The good news is that you do not have to give up your comfort to…