General Dentistry: Questions to Ask About Bad Breath

A general dentistry professional provides primary dental treatment to patients to maintain excellent oral health. These dentists can help you with any oral issues you may have, including bad breath. If you recently developed bad breath or have had it for a while, it is critical to undergo treatment. The condition can be embarrassing and an early indicator of dental problems such as gum disease. The following are some of the frequently asked questions about bad breath.

What are the common causes of bad breath?

Some of the most common causes of foul breath include smoking cigarettes, poor oral hygiene habits, consuming specific foods, using prescription drugs, dry mouth syndrome, sinus inflammation, oral infection, and certain health conditions like chronic reflux disease or cancer.

Is bad breath a regular occurrence?

Yes, foul breath is a prevalent condition, with most dental patients having it at least once during their lives. Everyone deals with bad breath, probably after waking up in the morning or eating garlic. However, when the condition becomes recurrent, it is necessary to visit the dentist for evaluation.

What makes the breath smell bad?

The underlying cause of foul breath is bacteria. Without a regular oral hygiene regimen to keep bacteria in check, they will accumulate and discharge foul odors.

Is it true that cigarette smoking causes foul breath?

Yes. Smoking cigarettes can cause smoke to accumulate in the lungs and throat, resulting in foul breath. Cigarette smoking also lowers saliva production, which is needed to eliminate any bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.

Is it possible to treat foul breath using dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash?

There are special kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes designed to combat foul breath. While these items are not guaranteed to cure foul breath, they can help patients manage it. When it comes to using one or more of these products, the level of effectiveness will ultimately depend on the cause of foul breath.

Can general dentistry treat bad breath?

A regular dentist can treat Dental-related foul breath. Before they can give a treatment, they must first determine the cause of the foul breath through a dental examination. If the reason is gum disease, the dentist can address this. They may suggest periodontal cleaning to eliminate bacteria, tartar, or plaque that has built up along the gum line and is causing irritation and halitosis.

The dentist may also suggest using an antibacterial mouth rinse. Patients will receive oral hygiene tips, including cleaning the tongue lightly after brushing the teeth to help eliminate germs that cause odor. If a medication is causing dry mouth, patients may need to talk to the medical professional about alternative options.