Do you suffer from bad breath? Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be an uncomfortable problem affecting social interactions and oral health. Portrait Dental understands the impact of this common symptom and we want to help you find solutions to combat this problem! To help you overcome this very common symptom, we’ll discuss the causes of bad breath and explore natural remedies, hygiene habits, and professional dental services.
Keep reading to learn how you can freshen your breath!
Causes of Bad Breath
There are many, many causes to bad breath. From diet to poor hygiene habits, to genetics and everything in between! It can be caused by things like poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, smoking, and certain medical conditions. That’s why it’s important to address bad breath– because it can lead to more serious oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Diagnosing Halitosis
Dentists diagnose halitosis, or bad breath through a comprehensive oral examination, including the nose and throat. We evaluate the patient’s medical history and lifestyle habits and perform tests to determine the underlying cause of the halitosis. These tests may include saliva analysis, bacterial culture, and breath tests.
Once confirmed, your dentist will move on to treatment plans that can include natural remedies, hygiene habits, and professional dental services. We’ll cover those next steps here!
Natural Remedies to Try at Home
There are several natural remedies you can try at home to combat bad breath, with varying levels of scientific support.
These remedies include:
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help prevent dry mouth, which is a primary cause of bad breath.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize bad bacteria.
- Eat yogurt and probiotics: Yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods help to improve gut health, which can prevent halitosis.
- Rinse with baking soda: Baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent that helps neutralize odours. That’s why it’s often used in toothpaste!
- Use essential oils: Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and clove can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
In general, you will see many natural remedies that promote the use of essential oils like various mints, clove, and tea tree. But natural remedies have natural limits. So let’s discuss what you can do at home and in our offices for fresher breath!
Hygiene Habits to Combat Bad Breath
What is the number one thing you can do to prevent bad breath in most cases? Well, maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential to prevent halitosis.
So to make sure you’re doing the utmost possible, here are some tips to improve your oral hygiene:
- Brush and floss properly: Brush at least twice a day for two minutes and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth.
- Clean your tongue and gums: Your teeth are not the only location for bad bacteria! Use a tongue scraper or brush to clean your tongue and gums, as bacteria can build up in these areas.
- Replace toothbrushes and clean devices regularly: Toothbrushes and other oral devices can harbour bacteria, so it’s important to replace them regularly and clean them properly.
- Maintain healthy saliva production: Chew sugar-free gum or eat healthy foods that promote saliva production, such as apples or celery.
Professional Dental Services to Cure Bad Breath
For many patients, at-home care and natural remedies are not enough. That’s why visiting your dentist regularly is essential to prevent bad breath and other oral health issues. When you come to Portrait Dental for halitosis, there are many options for treatment.
- Professional cleanings and scaling: A professional cleaning can remove plaque and bacteria.
- Cavity fillings: Cavities can harbour bacteria that cause bad breath, so getting them filled helps to reduce symptoms.
- Gum disease treatment: Gum disease can trigger severe halitosis, so getting treatment for gum disease is a good option.
If you’re looking for more information about treatments for bad breath and other dental problems, check out our article on natural and organic mouthwash here.
Visit Portrait Dental to Treat Halitosis & More
Bad breath can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem, but it’s important to address it to prevent more serious oral health issues. Remember, halitosis is often the first sign of larger problems to come. So try out natural remedies, hygiene habits, and professional dental services that help combat bad breath. Remember to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist to maintain good oral health. At Portrait Dental, we’re here to help you find solutions. Schedule a visit with us today to get professional help for your bad breath. Don’t let something as treatable as halitosis hold you back from living your best life!