Bad Breath Causes and Treatments

Understand and Eliminate Bad Breath

Having fresh breath is an important part of making a good impression. But many people suffer from bad breath, medically known as halitosis, at some point. This common problem can have many causes, ranging from poor dental hygiene to underlying health issues. Bad breath can negatively impact social interactions and self-confidence. 

The good news is that, in most cases, bad breath can be prevented and treated with simple self-care steps. Dr. Wayne DiBartola at DiBartola Dental in Bridgeville is proud to help patients overcome bad breath for better oral health and confidence.

What Causes Bad Breath?

The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene, which allows bacteria to build up on the teeth, gums, and tongue. Food particles can also get trapped in teeth, on the tongue, and around dental work like braces or bridges. This decaying food debris provides the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. 

Here are some common causes of bad breath:

• Not Brushing and Flossing Regularly: Tooth decay and gum disease, often caused by plaque buildup, are major causes of bad breath.
• Dry Mouth: Saliva helps cleanse the mouth, so a lack of saliva means odors aren’t getting rinsed away. Certain medications, chronic health conditions, and breathing through the mouth can cause dry mouth.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco products not only stain teeth — they also leave particles in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.
• Certain Foods and Drinks: Onions, garlic, spices, coffee, and alcohol can leave lingering odors.
• Illnesses: Some diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and lung infections, can cause bad breath. It’s caused by chemicals released as your body breaks down tissue.
• Crash Dieting: When your body starts burning fat rapidly, it releases chemicals that can cause bad breath.

Treatments for Bad Breath

Good Oral Hygiene

The most important thing you can do at home to treat and prevent bad breath is maintain good oral hygiene. Stick to a regular schedule of brushing twice daily for two minutes each time, flossing at least once daily, and scraping the tongue. Use a mouthwash to reach bacteria buildup between teeth. If you wear dentures, clean them thoroughly every day.

Routine Dental Checkups

Visit DiBartola Dental for regular dental cleanings and exams to detect and treat dental problems before they contribute to bad breath. Dr. Wayne DiBartola can also look for signs of health conditions tied to bad breath. They may suggest more frequent cleanings or additional at-home care steps like antiseptic rinses and advise about dietary changes that could improve breath.

External Factors

For dry mouth, our Bridgeville dentist may recommend an alcohol-free mouth rinse to moisten the mouth and freshen your breath. Medications are also available to stimulate saliva flow if dry mouth is chronic. To combat bad breath from smoking, the obvious solution is to quit smoking. Your dentist can provide support to help you quit.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

If at-home care and dental cleanings aren’t solving bad breath, your dentist may refer you to your primary care physician or a specialist. Persistent bad breath can indicate health issues that need medical diagnosis and treatment. 

Oral infections like gum disease may require prescription antibiotics or professional cleaning. Respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, acid reflux, and some cancers can also cause bad-smelling breath that requires medical intervention.

Get To The Bottom Of Your Bad Breath

As your local dentist, we want to empower you to maintain your oral health and combat bad breath. People may avoid mentioning bad breath to be polite, but ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Arm yourself with knowledge and a plan to prevent and treat bad breath. You can boost your confidence, knowing your breath will smell fresh whenever you speak.

Explore dental solutions for bad breath with Dr. Wayne DiBartola at DiBartola Dental in Bridgeville. Call [phone number] today to schedule your appointment and create better breath.