Overcome Chronic Bad Breath
Occasional bad breath is normal, but for some, the issue can become persistent. Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a frustrating condition that can affect your self-confidence and often indicates an oral health issue, such as periodontal disease. Brooklyn Heights Dental® will assess all aspects of your oral health in order to determine if a deep cleaning is needed to treat your chronic bad breath.
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Normal Bad Breath vs Halitosis
Bad breath is something we all experience from time to time. For example, you may realize your breath is not as fresh after eating pasta with garlic sauce or a sandwich with onions. You may also find that you experience unwanted mouth odor when you wake up in the morning. Brushing and flossing can usually eliminate these odors. However, if you find that your breath is normally bad even after you brush, you need to speak to a dentist.
Persistent bad breath should be assessed and treated as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
Common Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath should be assessed and treated as soon as possible to avoid further problems. Some of the most common causes of chronic bad breath include:
- Gum disease: Oral bacteria can cause infection in the gums, which can cause foul breath.
- Tooth decay: When cavities are present, the bacteria affecting your teeth can cause chronic bad breath.
- Poor hygiene habits: Irregular or improper brushing and flossing can result in plaque and tartar buildup, which result in an unpleasant mouth odor.
- Dry mouth: Saliva provides numerous benefits for your oral health. For example, saliva helps to rinse the mouth and eliminate harmful bacteria. Smoking, mouth breathing, and certain medications can all result in chronic dry mouth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to halitosis.
- Certain viruses and illnesses: Sinus infections or other illnesses affecting the nasal passages or throat can lead to the development of chronic bad breath. According to the American Dental Association, chronic halitosis can also be linked to kidney and liver disease.
- Oral appliances: When dentures are not cleaned properly, it can lead to halitosis. Similarly, food deposits trapped in braces can cause bad breath. Therefore, it is important to maintain and care for your dental appliances as directed.
Professional Treatments for Bad Breath
At Brooklyn Heights Dental, our doctors can help patients identify the source of bad breath so the root cause can be treated. For example, if halitosis is the result of tooth decay, restorative procedures such as a filling will be necessary. If the culprit is gum disease, periodontal treatments will be required. Mild to moderate periodontal disease can be addressed with nonsurgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing or LANAP®. However, more advanced cases may require surgical intervention. During an evaluation, our doctors can help you determine the most appropriate treatment option for your oral health needs.
How to Prevent Chronic Bad Breath at Home
In addition to professional treatments, there are plenty of measures you can take at home to improve your bad breath. For example:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help eliminate food particles, debris, and bacteria.
- Attend routine dental examinations and cleanings on a regular schedule recommended by your dentist.
- Chew sugarless gum.
- Stop using all tobacco products.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, schedule a consultation at our practice to explore your treatment options. Call us at (718) 857-6639 or contact us online to book your appointment today.
