Bad breath is an extremely common problem that most people experience at some point. Chronic bad breath is a different story. Halitosis is chronic bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing. If you experience bad breath that does not go away with oral hygiene, it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It is important to speak to your dentist to determine what is causing your bad breath so that you can either begin treatment with them or visit your general doctor for further evaluation.

How do I get rid of bad breath?

The first step to rid bad breath is to understand why you have halitosis. If your dentist determines that you have gum disease causing chronic bad breath, they may recommend a scaling and root cleaning (a deep cleaning) to eradicate tartar buildup and infection within your gum tissue. Gum disease is a common cause of halitosis and can be treated and maintained with more frequent cleanings at your dental office.

If gum disease was the cause of your bad breath and it has been treated, it is important to improve your home care. Flossing at least once a day removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and below the gum line, and scraping your tongue removes odor-causing bacteria there. Good oral hygiene is the best way to keep your mouth healthy and to prevent halitosis in the future.

Another oral problem that can cause bad breath is a dental abscess. An abscess forms when infection within the gum tissue is not treated and builds up in one area, often causing a bump on the gum tissue. Your dentist can treat the area by draining the abscess and irrigating within the pocket to get rid of any infection.

What else causes bad breath?

When you visit your dentist to determine the cause of your bad breath, they will have a list of questions to review with you to help find out why you’re experiencing this. It is important to make sure your dentist has an updated medical history with a list of any medications and supplements that you take. Some information to provide includes: is it occasional or chronic; when did you first notice it; how often do you brush and floss.

Be sure to notify your dentist of any new changes to your health, including allergies or sinus issues. If you tend to breathe through your mouth or if you snore, that can be a contributing factor.

Bad breath is usually pretty easy to treat, so don’t ignore the issue and just assume it was something you ate! If it is an ongoing problem, it is important to find the cause. Your dental team will provide the best care to keep your mouth healthy and fresh so that you can keep your natural teeth as long as possible.

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