6 Things Your Dentist Can Do About Your Bad Breath

According to Bad Breath Institute, over 80 million of people in the U.S. have chronic halitosis a.k.a. bad breath. Each year, Americans spend over $10 billion on oral hygiene products (i.e. gums, mouthwashes, toothpastes, etc.) to fight chronic bad breath.

However, these options only mask the problem. While you can chew gums and use mouthwashes to fight bad breath, many root causes have to be eliminated to get rid of the problem completely. Here are six things your dentist can offer to address your problem:

1. Removal of tartar buildup

Regular professional dental cleanings are essential for dental health. They are aimed at removing hardened plaque and calculus from the teeth. Even with good oral hygiene, plaque is able to harden on different surfaces of the teeth and can’t be removed without the help of a hygienist. If you often miss scheduled dental appointments, tartar buildup on your teeth might be the reason for your chronic bad breath. Moreover, this problem can lead to gingivitis and even tooth decay.

2. Improvement of dental hygiene habits

Poor dental hygiene can easily cause halitosis. Did you know that one of the most common causes of bad breath is not flossing? Food particles and bacteria get stuck between the teeth which results in severe bad breath and tooth decay. However, the dental specialist can help you address this problem by offering recommendations on how to improve your oral hygiene.

3. Treatment for gum disease

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease, is chronic inflammation of the gum tissue that causes gums to recede which eventually results in tooth loss. The early stages of the disease are gingivitis, which is reversible and therefore can be completely treated, if addressed in time.

If left untreated, gingivitis gets worse and turns into periodontal disease. The common symptoms of gum disease include gum swelling, loose teeth, painful chewing, tender or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath that won’t go away. However, with regular dental appointments, you’re able to stop the disease and avoid many dental issues.

4. Treatment for tooth decay

Tooth decay can lead to bad breath but this issue can easily be remedied with a simple oral exam and filling. If left untreated, tooth decay can reach pulp and in this case you may need a root canal procedure. Teeth that have broken off and have become severely decayed should be extracted and replaced with a tooth implant. Proper treatment of tooth decay can have a significant impact on improving your breath.

5. Screen for oral cancer

In rare cases, bad breath can indicate oral cancer. You should also pay attention to other marked symptoms of oral cancer such as lesions and lumps within the mouth as well as constant oral pain and tongue numbness.

However, a dental exam can be helpful in checking for symptoms of oral cancer. If your dentist has detected clinical symptoms, they can provide treatment early to help prevent cancer from progressing. Keep in mind that most cases of bad breath are not due to oral cancer and are usually provoked by another problem like gum disease, poor oral hygiene habits, or tooth decay.

6. Replacement of old appliances and restorations

Sometimes, the cause of bad breath is old restorations or appliances that should have been replaced a long time ago. An older dental crown can begin to loosen which can lead to bacterial overgrowth underneath the restoration. Old dentures or partials might begin to have odors that are impossible to remove with soaking and cleaning alone. Most dental restorations don’t last a lifetime, therefore having them replaced regularly can improve your oral health and eliminate bad breath. A dental specialist can check for loose restorations and replace older appliances.