Halitosis (Bad Breath) Treatment
Chronic bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is treatable. With deep cleanings and professional guidance from your friends at Chester Road Family Dental, you don't have to go on living with bad breath.
Your Bad Breath Dentist in Chester, VA
An estimated 1 in 4 people globally suffer from chronic bad breath/halitosis. It’s a common problem, and while chronic bad breath can cause embarrassment and anxiety, there are remedies.
Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria trapped in your mouth for an extended period. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies, such as mouthwash, mints, and gum, can only cover up the issue.
At Chester Road Family Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed by regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling root planing and potentially tongue scraping, is necessary to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line.
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What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and can be made worse by certain foods. If particles of food are left in the mouth, their decomposition releases sulfur compounds, which cause bad breath. If regular brushing, flossing, and hydration don’t solve it, the best solution is to see your dentist for a deep cleaning.
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What is the best chewing gum for bad breath?
Chewing gum can help remedy bad breath until you can see your dentist for a deep cleaning. The best chewing gum is sugar-free chewing gum. The sweetness of this gum comes from alternatives to sugar, such as xylitol, so it doesn’t cause tooth decay.
Besides masking bad breath, chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums between meals. Teeth are more at risk of an acid attack immediately after meals. Chewing gum helps to reduce acid and the harm it causes. It prompts the mouth to produce more saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid.
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Does smoking cause bad breath?
Many smokers suffer from bad breath from time to time. Heavy smokers are usually more frequently affected, but occasional smokers also get bad breath. Studies suggest that smokers are less likely than non-smokers to even notice that they have bad breath.
Smoking and vaping cause dry mouth and create a film on the teeth that bacteria can cling to. This thin film creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Dry mouth has a significant correlation to smoking and vaping, which is also a leading cause of halitosis. Dry mouth not only affects breath but also affects gingivitis, which makes regular dental checkups even more important for smokers and other tobacco users.
Questions About Bad Breath Treatment?
If you have more questions about halitosis/bad breath treatment, or if you would like to request an appointment, contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.
