What are the Causes and Treatment for Bad Breath?

Imagine being on a date with the love of your life in a fancy restaurant. The food is great. The conversation is comfortable. You have chemistry, but there’s a different chemistry broiling in your mouth. It hits you. You realise your breath smells. There’s no greater deal-breaker than the stench of halitosis.

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a medical condition that is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria living in the throat and in the surface of the tongue. These bacteria break down lingering food particles and release sulphuric compounds that produce the smelly odour. 2.4% of the adult Australian population suffers from bad breath.

What are the Causes of Bad Breath?

In most cases, bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, food particles will remain in your mouth causing bacteria to grow and release a bad odour. Smoking cigarettes can also cause bad breath, aside from its other negative oral health effects.

 

Bad breath can also result from medical conditions. If halitosis is persistent, it may be an indicator of gum disease, a buildup of oral plaque that can damage the teeth, gums, and even the jawbone. Dry mouth as a side effect of some medications causes dead cells to accumulate, which may also result in bad odour. Sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes, and liver problems also cause halitosis.

Treatment for Bad Breath

How do Ryde Dentists Treat Bad Breath?

Since there is no single cause for bad breath, there is also no single treatment for it. Dentists in Ryde recommend several ways to prevent and treat bad breath.

As always, practising good oral hygiene is still the best way to prevent bad breath. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Next, use dental floss to remove food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Finally, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.

For treatment, Ryde dentists need to examine whether the bad odour is caused by oral problems. Dentists use odour detectors such as a halimeter that detects the sulphur compounds present in the mouth. These tests will determine the underlying cause of the bad breath and dentists will prescribe treatment accordingly.

For example, if the underlying cause is gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist will prescribe for them and expect improvement of your mouth odour afterwards.

Which of the Top Ryde Dentists should you go for Treatment?

Seeing your dentist regularly, at least twice a year, will help in managing and treating your oral health problems. So before going to your next date, make sure you get your breath checked by the top dentists in Ryde.

Experience the highest quality bad breath management and treatment from Putney Dental Care. Our Top Ryde dental experts provide only the highest quality of care for your halitosis and other dental problems.

To know more about your treatment options, call us on (02) 9808 2588 or send us an email at [email protected].

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