Bad breath is a common complain among adult patients, but our O’Fallon dentists can help you take control of your oral health and beat bad breath for good. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of malodorous breath, as well as management strategies.
It is normal for people to temporarily experience bad breath after eating or drinking something that is strongly flavored. Dishes with onions and garlic, for example, can make your mouth feel stale and your breath odorous. This type of bad breath dissipates naturally as the food particles make their way out of your system. You can hasten this process by cleaning your smile thoroughly, drinking plenty of water, and using a mouth rinse.
If, however, you are battling more chronic, hard-to-treat bad breath, it could be indicative of an underlying oral health issue. Keep in mind that the same oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease also release unpleasant odors when they grow and multiply. So, if you are continually battling bad breath, it may be due to entrenched oral bacteria.
Unfortunately, many of the breath fresheners on the market only exacerbate the problem. Gums and mints often contain appreciable amounts of sugar. Because oral bacteria feed on sugars, these types of short-term solutions can intensify the underlying issue.
The way to defeat this type of chronic bad breath is to seek treatment for existing cavities and periodontal disease. Once you are able to minimize the amount of plaque and tartar in your mouth, you’ll find it much easier to keep your breath fresh and clean.
Our O’Fallon dentists provide the restorative care that all patients need to overcome dental cavities and gum disease. If you’re battling chronic bad breath, and you think it may be linked to underlying oral infections, please do not hesitate to seek prompt and effective treatment.