Halitosis – bad breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a very common problem that affects people of all ages. The good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent bad breath.

What can I do about bad breath?

If you have bad breath, it's important to visit us. The dentist can find out what's causing it, advise you on how to manage it, or treat it if necessary.

What causes bad breath?

A number of things can cause bad breath. It can be caused by a buildup of bacteria and food around teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene.

Other causes include periodontal disease, smoking, and eating strong-smelling foods. Some medications and health conditions such as dry mouth, diabetes, infections, or stomach problems can also cause bad breath.

What can I do to help?

If you have bad breath, there are certain things you can do to combat it:

  • Brush your teeth and gums properly at least twice a day for 2 minutes.
  • Use dental floss or interproximal brushes to remove biofilm and food from between your teeth.
  • Use mouthwashes for halitosis daily.
  • If you smoke, quit smoking.
  • Avoid eating foods with strong odors, such as onions, coffee, or garlic.

Make sure you follow your dentist or hygienist's instructions, and if you have any questions, ask us.

What if my breath doesn't improve?

Visit us at Semüi, and maybe we should recommend something else like:

  • Treatment of any dental condition you may have, such as periodontal disease.
  • Help you improve your oral hygiene. Review your brushing technique, flossing, recommend the use of specific mouthwashes, or recommend the use of a tongue cleaner.
  • Antibiotics if it is an infection.

If we can't find the cause of your bad breath or believe it may be due to a medical condition, we will refer you to your primary care physician.

Keep reading

Xerostomia

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a problem that many people struggle with daily. The sensation of dry mouth can make functions like swallowing food or speaking more difficult.

Sensitive teeth

Tooth sensitivity isn't something you should have to endure, and in most cases, it can be easily treated. Sensitivity can be treated and usually cured, but if left untreated, it's likely to worsen over time.

Cracked teeth

Teeth can break or chip for a variety of reasons; sports injuries, accidents, teeth grinding, or even biting into hard foods can cause teeth to crack or break.

Cardiovascular health

Several studies have observed a correlation between heart disease and gum disease. Therefore, researchers investigated whether treating periodontal disease could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. While there is a lack of conclusive evidence, the available evidence does support a causal relationship between the two conditions.

Dental abscess

Abscesses cause inflammation and swelling and can be very painful. They are usually caused by an infection and can worsen if left untreated.

Diabetes

The presence of these oral manifestations can lead to discomfort and/or oral pain, impeding proper nutrition; they can also worsen the prognosis of diabetes, as they frequently alter, impact, and aggravate processes affecting certain organs. It is very interesting to note that awareness of these manifestations can alert the dentist to the existence of an undiagnosed diabetic patient.