How Do You Fight Bad Breath?

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Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem that hinders your ability to comfortably interact with others. How do you fight bad breath? With good oral hygiene you not only maintain beautiful teeth, but you can enjoy fresher breath as well. Find out how something as simple as brushing and flossing can aid in the fight against halitosis.

What Causes Bad Breath?

A variety of factors can lead to poor breath, including:

  • Oral bacteria
  • Tooth decay
  • Periodontal disease
  • Healing following extraction or other treatments
  • Tobacco use
  • Certain foods and drinks
  • Overconsumption of alcohol
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Dry mouth
  • Poor cleaning of dentures or other prostheses

If you have persistent halitosis, then we will thoroughly exam your teeth and gums. We will soon be able to assess the cause and severity of your issue, recommending the most appropriate treatment option. Remember, using mints or mouthwash can temporarily mask the problem but doesn’t treat the underlying causes, so your breath issues will soon return.

Treating Halitosis with Good Oral Hygiene

The most common causes of halitosis are dry mouth and poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, combating this is relatively easy. First, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. We suggest brushing your teeth twice a day, at two minutes per session, and floss once. Routine oral maintenance also reduces the risk of developing gum disease. This removes stray bits of food and harmful bacteria from your mouth, keeping your breath fresh. By drinking water you not only cleanses your mouth, but also fights dry mouth. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact out office today.

ABOUT YOUR SAN DIEGO PERIODONTIST:

To learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, subscribe to this blog, and visit Dr. Kania for a consultation. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, visit our office or contact us today at (760) 642-0711