While it’s considered normal to emit an unpleasant odor first thing in the morning, and understandable to have bad breath following a spicy meal, chronic bad breath is a persistent condition that does not go away. In other words, it doesn’t matter how much one brushes their teeth, or if he or she uses mouthwash. The bad breath remains, and is thus called Halitosis.
Listerine reports that while there are a number of possible causes of Halitosis, 80% are oral, such as cavities, gum disease, cracked fillings and less-than-clean dentures. Moreover, there are dietary components as well, and these might include high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets, acidic foods, sweets and onions. Coffee and alcohol are also factors. What’s more, tobacco users have an exceptionally higher risk of chronic bad breath. Medically speaking, there are other culprits, some of which include certain cancers, tonsil infections, kidney disease and diabetes.
While Halitosis is quite embarrassing and frustrating, there are treatments and solutions available. When oral health conditions are to blame, a dentist can be a patient’s greatest ally against the affects of bad breath. In many cases, better oral health habits go a long way in eliminating chronic bad breath. Yet, in the case of a person that suffers from dry mouth (a major contributor to Halitosis), he or she might be advised to drink more water or chew on sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production.
Even so, when the causes of Halitosis are not easy to identify, a thorough examination, including scraping the back of a patient’s tongue may yield clues. In fact, by smelling the scrapings, dentists rate them on a six-point scale to help determine the root cause of persistent bad breath.
Your Trusted Dentist In Kennesaw
Dr. Hamir Contractor and his skilled dental team welcome you to Kennesaw Mountain Dental Associates, a comprehensive dental practice serving children and families in Acworth, Kennesaw and surrounding areas. When it comes to chronic bad breath or Halitosis, our team is committed to providing the trusted care that patients need and deserve. To schedule an appointment, contact Kennesaw Mountain Dental Associates today!