Halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, is an oral issue that not even mints, mouthwash, or thorough brushing can fix. Halitosis isn’t temporary, like morning breath or bad breath that comes after eating onions or tuna. This type of bad breath protrudes from the mouth for extended periods of time, which could indicate a serious oral complication.

Causes of Halitosis

There is a multitude of oral problems that could lead to halitosis. For example, cavities and gum disease give smelly bacteria a place to reside in the mouth, which can be hard to clean just by brushing and flossing. Nose, sinus, and throat issues may also lead to halitosis since bacteria feed on the mucus that the body produces to fight off infections. Dry mouth can also lead to halitosis because without enough saliva, food particles won’t get rinsed and removed from the teeth. Saliva also contains disease-fighting substances that help prevent the development of cavities and infections.

The reduction of saliva leaves unwanted bacteria sitting in the mouth that produce unwanted odor. Smoking tobacco can lead to halitosis since it dries out the mouth and puts smokers at risk of developing gum disease. Lastly, halitosis could be a sign indicating gastric reflux, diabetes, or liver or kidney disease.

How to Treat Halitosis

There are specific actions that those suffering from halitosis can immediately take to begin helping treat unwanted odor.

• Gargle with water
• Brush for two minutes twice daily, including teeth, tongue, the roof of the mouth, and gums
• Floss at least once a day
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
• Eat less meat
• Reduce or eliminate smoking
• Avoid foods and drinks that promote odor
• Eat regularly; missing meals can decrease saliva production
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Drink lots of water
• Use mouthwash
• Cutting back on caffeine
• Properly clean dentures, removable bridges, partial plates, and orthodontic appliances once a day

If bad breath still remains after following these tips, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dental professional so they can properly diagnose and treat the issue. A dentist will perform a deep cleaning and a thorough examination to rule out any oral health issues, as well as recommend the proper next steps to take. They’ll suggest specific types of dental products and treatment plans designed to fit each individual’s needs.

San Diego Preventative Dentistry

At McBride Dental, we offer preventative dentistry services to help our patients maintain proper oral healthcare and wear their smile with confidence. We advise our patients to visit us at least twice a year so that we can perform X-rays and oral inspections to check for halitosis, gum disease, cavities, and other damaging dental conditions.

Our mission is to prevent these diseases before they cause damage that needs treatment. Some of our services include dental sealants, dental cleanings, and fluoride treatments. We treat based on each individual’s needs and we recommend different homecare treatment options as well. If you or someone you know is located in the San Diego area and needs a dental office, call 760-471-1003 to schedule an appointment today.