Bad Breath - What Can I Do?

Halitosis or bad breath can come from a multitude of habits and other problems. First smoking or other types of tobacco use can result in bad breath, as can eating food such as garlic and onions. With garlic and onions, you can mask the odor temporarily by using a mouthwash, but the odor will not leave completely until the offending food is gone from the body. Once a food is eaten, it is digested and then goes into the bloodstream. Once in the blood stream it is carried to the lungs where the odor will once more be expelled in your breath.

Often, though halitosis or bad breath is the result of poor dental health. Brushing and flossing daily removes food particles and debris that promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When this is not done on a regular basis, bacteria multiply. A persistent bad odor or taste can be a warning of disease, periodontal disease,” says Dr. Judith Ko, from her Hemet, California CosmeticDental Practice.

Other causes of bad breath can be dry mouth. A condition called xerostomia where there is a reduction of saliva created can reduce the normal cleansing ability of your mouth and result in bacteria growth. Also, poorly fitting dental appliances, decay and yeast infections.

To prevent or reduce bad breath:

1. Brush twice a day and floss daily, remembering to get your tongue

2. Drink plenty of water.

3.  Keep track of the foods you eat that may be contributing to your bad breath.

4. Stop smoking or using tobacco based products.

5. See your dentist on a regular basis.

Your dentist is the one to speak to about your bad breath. They can quickly determine the cause and work to help you get it under control.

Should I Treat My Gum Disease?

Gum disease, left untreated can not only be painful and cause you to lose your teeth, it’s also not good for your overall health.

Periodontal disease or gum disease occurs when bacteria collects in the mouth in pockets that surround the teeth. This bacterium can be kept in check by brushing and flossing when the mouth and body is healthy.

Periodontal disease has been found to be connected to systemic issues such as low birth weight babies, pancreatic cancer, respiratory problems and diabetes to name a few. Patients with periodontal disease also often report a sluggishness that disappears once the bacteria has been removed.

“We are dealing with an infection,” Dr. Judith Ko says from her Hemet,California dental practice. “This infection can cause redness, inflammation, bleeding, soreness, swelling and pain when untreated.”

There are other reasons you may want to consider treating your gum disease:

1.     The bacteria causes persistent bad breath.

2.     The bacteria eat away at bone causing tooth loss.

3.     The bacteria form deep pockets between the gum and teeth that causes bleeding during normal brushing and flossing.

4.     Teeth will shift as bone level recedes.

5.     Gum tissue will recede as bone level recedes.

6.     Teeth will move and shift.

7.     The biting function of your teeth may change.

So don’t delay. Get evaluated for the disease and begin the process of returning to health!