What Might Be Causing Your Bad Breath And How Your Family Dentist Can Help

Everyone has bad breath occasionally. Your breath can smell bad after eating certain foods like garlic and onions. Your breath might be bad from drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. However, bad breath is sometimes a sign of dental or medical problems. Here are some oral health problems that lead to bad breath and how your family dentist can help.

Dental Decay And Infections

Poor dental care leads to tooth decay and gum disease. When these conditions are present, you may have constant bad breath due to gum infections and decaying teeth. If the dental problems are early, you might get relief from bad breath by having a dental cleaning done that removes plaque and tartar.

If you have gum disease, you might need a deep cleaning that clears out infection under your gums. This treatment might halt gum disease and give your mouth a chance to heal as long as you keep up with dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing.

If you have tooth decay, your dentist can remove the decay and put fillings in. Once your decayed teeth have been filled and sources of infection such as abscesses and gum disease have been treated, you may finally be rid of bad breath as long as you maintain good dental care.

Excessive Oral Bacteria

Bacteria give your breath a foul odor. Bacteria can thrive in your mouth if you have dry mouth and can't create enough saliva to wash the bacteria away. Bacteria also thrive in your mouth when you eat too many sweets. Bacteria not only make your breath smell bad, but you can also develop infections and cavities more easily.

Your dentist may recommend changes to your diet if you tend to eat a lot of sugary foods and drinks. A change to your diet could be worth it to keep your breath smelling fresher so you don't have to be worried about being around other people.

Your family dentist can also help you manage dry mouth. They may look for the cause, such as a medication you're taking or a medical condition. Adjusting your medication or treatment might be necessary if your doctor is agreeable.

Your dentist might recommend lifestyle changes such as sipping water frequently, avoiding smoking, chewing sugarless gum, and using dental care products made for dry mouth. If necessary, your dentist might prescribe medication that increases your saliva production.

Your family dentist might even be alerted to medical conditions you are unaware of when doing an examination for bad breath. Sinus infections and other medical conditions can cause bad breath. If your dentist thinks a medical problem rather than a dental problem is to blame, they will let you know so you can work with your medical doctor for treatment.

Reach out to a clinic like Josephs Family Dentistry to learn more.