What is bad breath?
Bad breath is usually noticed when someone tells you that you have bad breath or when you notice it yourself. Clinically, it can also be identified through testing or through honest feedback from people around you.
What is the most common cause of bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath can be gum disease. That is one of the most severe causes and is often noticeable to others. Other causes can include tooth decay, digestive issues, or certain foods or medications you may be taking.
What is halitosis?
Halitosis is chronic bad breath. Occasional bad breath is normally related to a temporary stomach upset or certain foods that cause bad breath.
Can a cavity cause bad breath?
A cavity can cause bad breath, especially in a later stage.
Can wisdom teeth cause bad breath?
Wisdom teeth can cause bad breath when they are impacted, in the wrong position, or decayed.
Can you have bad breath after a tooth extraction?
Normally, people do not have bad breath after a tooth extraction. However, sometimes if a patient has poor blood circulation, smokes, or has other issues that cause the blood clot protecting the extraction site to be lost, bad breath can occur.
How do you know if you have chronic bad breath?
With chronic bad breath, you normally notice it all the time. I do see people who are constantly chewing gum because they feel they have bad breath. Close friends and family may tell them they have bad breath, or they consistently feel their breath is not fresh.
How can bad breath be controlled?
Bad breath can usually be controlled by first identifying what is causing it. If you have gum disease, get the gum disease under control. If you have a cavity, take care of the cavity. If you have wisdom teeth trapping food or a crown that needs attention, taking care of those issues can help.
Sometimes people also have severe gum recession, and food gets packed between the teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and using a water pick to remove food debris can help with bad breath.
What products can help with bad breath?
There are certain toothpastes that can help with bad breath, especially when it is related to dry mouth. We also have mouth sprays and prescription mouth rinses that can help with bad breath. These may be heavily medicated or mildly medicated, and we will discuss the best option with you during your consultation.
What home remedies can help with bad breath?
Bad breath can often be reduced by cleaning the tongue. We brush our teeth and floss, but the tongue can also be coated with a lot of food debris. Brushing your tongue is one of the most helpful home remedies, along with brushing and flossing.
I have also found that using a peroxide rinse can help significantly with breath. If you have digestive problems, getting those treated can also help.
How can you tell if you have bad breath?
Normally, you can tell you have bad breath if you constantly feel like your breath is heavy and not fresh. However, it is often more reliably detected by friends and family around you.
Can bad breath be gotten rid of permanently?
Bad breath can be gotten rid of permanently when it is dental-related, as a dentist can help identify and treat the cause. Taking care of gum disease, cavities, and wisdom teeth can resolve the issue. If it is related to digestion or ENT issues, such as nasal congestion, infection, or post-nasal drip, those conditions may also need to be treated.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (210) 866-8730 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.