Halitosis, or bad breath, is something that everyone experiences at one time or another, whether it’s typical morning breath or after eating certain pungent foods. But if your halitosis is more persistent, there are several steps you can take to freshen up your breath.
What Causes Halitosis?
The first course of action in treating halitosis is to determine the cause of your bad breath. The most common source of halitosis is poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth well enough, plaque and tartar can build up in your mouth, resulting in lingering bad breath. Chronic dry mouth can also be a culprit, and smokers tend to experience halitosis at a higher rate than non-smokers. In certain cases, halitosis can be a sign of a more serious dental issue, such as gum disease, infection or decay.
How Can I Get Rid of Halitosis?
Once you’ve identified the cause of halitosis, you can take action to get rid of it. If poor hygiene is to blame, make a more concerted effort to brush and floss regularly and properly twice a day. You can also swish with an antibacterial mouthwash and use a tongue scraper to remove halitosis-causing bacteria from the back of your tongue. Dry mouth can be addressed by staying well hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum to help generate more saliva. If none of these suggestions alleviate your halitosis, it may be time to schedule a visit to Chaney Dental so we can check for dental problems.
Dental Care in Prairie Village, KS
Halitosis can be embarrassing, but there are a number of helpful solutions to combat that pesky bad breath. Be sure to schedule regular cleanings with the team here at Chaney Dental, where we can help you maintain your oral hygiene and identify any underlying causes of halitosis. Call today to book an appointment!
