Bad breath is an unwelcome reality for all of us—it’s going to happen from time to time! If, however, you find yourself battling bad breath on a regular basis, it may be time to take some steps to address the root issues. Today, our O’Fallon dentists are sharing some information about why bad breath occurs, and what you can do about it…
Types of Malodorous Breath
If you only experience bad breath every once in a while, it probably isn’t anything to be too concerned about. Especially is you’ve been chomping on pungent foods like garlic, onion, and meat. However, when bad breath becomes chronic, we need to start paying attention, as this type of malodorous breath is caused by a build-up of harmful oral bacteria. Tough to treat bad breath may indicate that you’ve developed cavities or periodontal disease.
Short-term Relief
So, let’s say that you notice an unpleasant or stale odor in your mouth. What can you do? Start by drinking a full glass of water and rinsing your mouth vigorously. This encourages saliva production (which naturally freshens breath) and dislodges odor-causing dental debris. You can additionally use mints or gum to improve bad breath, just make sure you reach for an option that is sugar-free.
Long-term Treatments
The first step in achieving lasting relief from chronic bad breath is to treat existing cavities and gum disease. The bacteria at the root of these infections emit unpleasant smells as they colonize. To prevent halitosis from reoccurring we will design a preventive dental plan that keeps bacteria levels low, and combats dry mouth.
Don’t let chronic bad breath derail you for long! There are steps that you can take to make it harder for oral bacteria to survive and thrive. As always, our O’Fallon dentists are happy to give you any additional information, support, and treatment that you need. We’re here to help!