Have you noticed recently that your breath constantly smells bad? Having bad breath can be embarrassing and cause stress and anxiety. There are plenty of over-the-counter options like gum and mints, but these easy fixes don’t address the root of the problem. Below, we provide more details on diagnosing bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, and strategies to get rid of it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Many individuals have bad breath and aren’t aware of it. There are many causes that can occur every so often when you eat certain foods or chronically due to certain health conditions. Determining the cause of the bad breath is a key first step to getting rid of it. A few of the most common health conditions linked to bad breath include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- A bowel obstruction
- A sinus infection
- GERD
- Ketoacidosis
- Liver failure
Should I See a Doctor?
If you notice that you have bad breath routinely, the best place to start is to focus on your oral hygiene and make sure your mouth and teeth are clean. Brushing your teeth and tongue after eating, using dental floss to remove food and plaque from your teeth, and drinking plenty of water are all daily steps you can take to improve your bad breath. If you notice you still have bad breath after improving your hygiene, you should make an appointment to see your dentist. Your provider will help determine if a more serious condition is causing your bad breath and if you need to see another healthcare professional.
What Should I Do to Treat Bad Breath?
You may be able to treat your halitosis by yourself, or depending on the cause, you may need help from a health care professional. Here are some of the best approaches to eliminate or treat your bad breath:
- Daily oral hygiene: Taking steps to keep your mouth and teeth clean not only helps to reduce bad breath but also helps to avoid cavities and lower your risk of gum disease.
- Mouth rinses and toothpastes: If your provider thinks your bad breath is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, they may recommend a mouth rinse that kills bacteria. They may also recommend a toothpaste with an antibacterial agent to kill bacteria that contribute to plaque.
- Professional dental cleaning: If your provider diagnoses you with gum disease, they may suggest you see a gum specialist, known as a periodontist, to treat your bad breath and heal your gums. A professional and potentially more advanced cleaning may help remove bacteria, restore gums, and eliminate bad breath caused by the bacteria.
- See a health care professional: If gum disease or poor oral health is not the cause of your bad breath, your dentist may recommend you see another health care provider to determine if another health condition is causing your bad breath.
If you think you have chronically bad breath, you have several quick and effective steps you can take to treat it. Don’t be afraid to contact your dental provider and get started today.