It’s an unfortunate fact of life that we all deal with bad breath from time to time. However, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing that you can do about this commonly experienced problem. Keep reading this article from our Toluca Lake dentists in order to learn more about the causes of and treatments for bad breath…
Types of Malodorous Breath
Keep in mind that there are a few different underlying causes of bad breath; the key to successful treatment is to determine what type you’re dealing with. We all experience temporary bad breath after we’ve eaten something pungent, especially onions, garlic, and meats. The more concerning type of bad breath is the kind produced by an overabundance of oral bacteria. You’ll also want to talk to your dentist if your breath seems sweet or fruity, as this can be indicative of diabetes.
Short-term Relief
There are a few things that you can do to immediately deal with bad breath, and to refresh your smile quickly. Drink water, and rinse your mouth after snacks and meals to clear away odor-causing particles. You can also use gum and mints to mask unpleasant odors. However, we encourage you to look for sugar-free formulations, since smelly oral bacteria use sugar for fuel.
Long-term Treatments
In order to conquer bad breath for good, you really have to restore your mouth to health. For many patients, this means treating existing cavities and gum disease. As we clear bacteria and diseased tissue from your mouth, halitosis will become less of a problem. At the same time, we will find treatment solutions for patients with chronic dry mouth, as this condition creates an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish.
Now that you’ve learned the basics about bad breath, we hope that you feel comfortable taking control of your smile, and getting the professional and at-home care that you need. Remember, you can always contact our Toluca Lake dentists for more information or to schedule a consultation!