Bad breath can cripple your social life causing embarrassing and socially distressing situations. While occasional bad breath is common, persistent oral odor may indicate underlying oral health issues. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist explores the causes of bad breath and highlights how professional dental cleanings can help combat this problem.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, but there are so many other causes. Besides inadequate brushing and flossing, bad breath can be caused by stomach issues, tonsil stones, diet, gum disease, decay, and more. Dry mouth, often caused by medications, certain medical conditions, or mouth-breathing, can contribute as it reduces saliva flow and allows bacteria to thrive. Periodontal disease, occurs due to the buildup of plaque and tartar on the gum line. The resulting inflammation, infection, and sulfur compounds produced by bacteria can lead to persistent bad breath. Infections such as cavities, oral thrush, or abscesses can create a breeding ground for bacteria, contributing to halitosis.
Get A Professional Dental Cleaning
To address the root cause of bad breath, you may just require a professional dental cleaning. This process involves the thorough removal of plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. With thorough instrumentation and ultrasonic scaling, we can eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad breath, improving oral hygiene. If gum disease is present, we can remove debris and bacteria from deep pockets that have formed due to damaging bacteria. This helps promote healing and reduces bad breath associated with gum disease.
Oral Hygiene and Life-Style Modification
At your dental visits, we will provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your specific needs. We also can recommend effective oral care products and lifestyle changes tailored to your situation. This may include suggestions on diet, hydration, tobacco cessation, and managing dry mouth, all of which contribute to fresher breath.
Identification and Treatment of Underlying Issues
If you want to truly eliminate bad breath, we must get to the root cause. At your check-up, we can provide a comprehensive oral examination. We will take the time necessary to identify potential oral health issues contributing to bad breath, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral infections. Early detection and timely treatment can minimize odor-causing bacteria and promote better breath.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning Today!
Persistent bad breath can significantly impact one’s self-confidence and social interactions. While daily oral hygiene practices are essential, professional dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health and combating bad breath. If you’re concerned about persistent bad breath let us help identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatments to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Call us at Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at (832) 437-3849!
