Fresh Breath Treatment

   Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be caused by many things. It may be the result of tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth, certain foods, tobacco, medications, post-nasal drip, some infections and other medical disorders. Your dentist can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, can develop a treatment plan specifically for you.

The most common cause of bad breath is a lack of good oral hygiene. Several hundred different types of bacteria, both good and bad, live in the mouth at any given time. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, particularly between the teeth, at the gumline, and on the back surface of the tongue. The food can decay, leaving an unpleasant odor. More significantly, trapped food particles allow the normal bacteria in the mouth to flourish. Metabolism of certain bacteria yields foul-smelling byproducts such as volatile sulfur compounds which, when mixed with mouth air and exhaled, produce unpleasant breath. Brushing after meals and flossing at least once daily is necessary to remove food debris and plaque from teeth and at the gumline. Gently cleaning the tongue surface with a tongue scraper or toothbrush will reduce this primary source of breath odor.

Good saliva flow cleanses the teeth and tissues, while dry mouth can increase bacterial buildup, especially on the back of the tongue, and worsen bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, by continuously breathing through the mouth, and by other physical conditions. Aromatic foods, such as onions and garlic, contain sulphur compounds which are absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually released into the lungs and expelled when we exhale.

If you try avoiding foods that are known to cause bad breath, practice good oral hygeine by brushing, flossing and scraping or brushing the back of the tongue, make sure that your mouth does not become too dry (maintaining saliva flow), do not smoke, are in good health and still have bad breath, you may have periodontal (gum) disease. Bacteria can live in the periodontal "pocket" between receding gums and teeth, and cause bad breath. Your dentist can diagnose periodontal disease and recommend the best course of treatment.