Bad Breath: Causes, Treatments, and More
Hi, I'm Dr. Samuel from Montpelier Family Dentistry. We get many questions about bad breath, so I'm here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
What is bad breath and how is it defined clinically?
Bad breath is technically called halitosis. It is defined by a persistent bad odor or smell that someone may have all the time, not just occasionally.
What are the most common causes of bad breath?
There can be many causes, such as something you ate, bacteria on your tongue reacting with amino acids from food, or gum disease. Any type of tobacco products can also contribute.
What is halitosis and how is it different from occasional bad breath?
Halitosis is essentially bad breath that is constant. Occasional bad breath could be due to eating something that lingers in your system or waking up with bad breath occasionally. That's the main difference.
Can cavities or tooth decay cause bad breath?
Definitely. A very large cavity that's been there for months or years can cause bad breath, as it may lead to infection. However, a small cavity needing a filling will also contribute.
Can wisdom teeth contribute to bad breath?
In some cases, they can, especially if the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is loose, trapping food and bacteria that are difficult to clean, causing bad breath.
Is it normal to have bad breath after a tooth extraction?
That can happen with some patients. If there is blood in your mouth and you're not rinsing or keeping your mouth clean, the old blood may not smell pleasant. An infection where the tooth was removed could also lead to bad breath. It's always good to check with your dentist if you have concerns.
What are some signs that bad breath might be chronic rather than occasional?
Having bad breath all the time, and finding it impossible to get rid of, no matter what you do, indicates it might be chronic.
What dental treatments are available for bad breath?
It depends on your situation. For gum disease, a deep cleaning could help. If you have a decayed or infected tooth, removing or fixing it could be beneficial. It's always best to consult your dentist to see what's going on.
What kind of mouthwash or toothpaste do you recommend for treating bad breath?
It really depends on each case and patient. It's best to check with your dentist to ensure you don't have any gum disease or teeth issues like infections or cavities before getting a proper recommendation for mouthwash or toothpaste.
What are some home remedies that might help reduce bad breath?
For patients without gum disease, tooth decay, or cavities, I recommend using a tongue scraper twice a day. It can definitely help.
How can someone tell if they have bad breath?
Usually, patients come in saying they notice it themselves, can taste it, or someone has informed them.
Is it possible to get rid of bad breath permanently?
Absolutely. By getting your teeth checked, we can recommend how to achieve a healthy mouth. Most patients report a reduction or complete elimination of bad breath.
I hope I've been able to answer some common questions about bad breath. If you have any additional questions, we are here for you. You can always call our office at (301) 812-4599 to set an appointment. Our staff would love to talk with you!