What Causes Halitosis and How Do You Treat It?
Everyone’s had an occasional brush with bad breath, a condition known as halitosis, but some people find themselves battling with it day after day. The good news is that some lifestyle changes and help from your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry will help combat your bad breath and give you the confidence to be up close and personal once again.
What Are the Causes of Halitosis?
The leading cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove bacteria and food particles from the teeth and around the gums, leaving you with a fresh, odor-free smile.
Other causes of bad breath include consuming odor-causing foods such as garlic and onions, the use of tobacco products, and dental problems, including dry mouth, tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, oral infections, and poorly fitting dental appliances. Halitosis can also result from the use of medications that cause dry mouth or medical conditions, including respiratory tract infections, tonsil stones, sinusitis, postnasal drip, acid reflux, and diabetes.
At Home Halitosis Remedies
We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Don’t forget to clean your tongue and any removable oral appliances, such as dentures or mouthguards, to prevent food particles and bacteria from building up and causing an unpleasant mouth odor.
Another thing you can do to help is limit your consumption of odor-causing foods, such as garlic and onions, and quit smoking. If you have a dry mouth, drink plenty of water and suck on hard candy or chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.
Halitosis Treatment Options
If proper dental hygiene and lifestyle changes don’t help eliminate your halitosis, make sure to schedule an appointment with your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry. We will evaluate every aspect of your oral health and treat any dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or dry mouth, to alleviate your concerns. We may recommend visiting your healthcare provider to rule out any health conditions causing your bad breath.
Preventive Care for Long-Term Healthy Smiles
We highly recommend keeping up with your twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Our team will monitor your oral health and treat any concerns as they develop, preventing a host of dental problems, including bad breath, down the road.
Halitosis Treatment Near Me
Visit Kraklow Quality Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, to learn more about the prevention, management, and treatment of halitosis. Dr. Kraklow and his team will work with you to address your concerns and have you smiling with confidence once again. Call us and schedule your appointment today!