Bad breath, or “halitosis” as it’s referred to by the medical community, has a fairly wide range of causes. Contrary to popular belief, halitosis is not purely due to food intake; though food is one of the primary sources of halitosis, there are many other causes and ways to prevent bad breath.
Common Oral Diseases
Periodontal disease is a condition of excessive plaque buildup on the gums that causes irritation and inflammation. Improving dental hygiene is the first step to ridding yourself of halitosis. By getting your teeth regularly cleaned and examined by our Pineville dentist, plaque can be removed before it leads to gum disease. You should also use anti-bacterial mouthwashes after brushing.
Ear Nose and Throat Infections
Due to their close proximity to the mouth, infections in the ear, nose, and throat sinuses can manifest themselves in halitosis. Generally, this bad breath should clear up as soon as the infection does, but chronic infections can cause chronic bad breath. Our Pineville general dentist can offer some suggestions specific to your infections to alleviate and prevent bad breath.
Illnesses in the Major Organ
Bacteria from internal organs can creep up into the mouth from the lungs, kidneys, stomach, and liver. This bacteria has an innate foul smell and also attacks the gums. Bacteria in the mouth will always be a cause for bad breath. If you have unexplained bad breath that is not cured by improving dental hygiene, you may have an internal problem coming from the organs.
Chronic bad breath is embarrassing and can make some people self-conscious. Good oral health and improved dental hygiene should make this problem go away, but if it does not, seek out our general dentist in Pineville to diagnose the cause of your ailment. They should be able to provide you with suggestions and recommendations specific to your needs.
Contact Park Cedar Dentistry today for more information about the causes of bad breath and how to treat halitosis. Schedule an appointment to speak with one of our experienced Pineville dentists!
