GOOD NEWS ABOUT BAD BREATH
Halitosis is the technical term for what is commonly called bad breath. It affects roughly 25% of the U.S. population, and it has several causes. The good news is, by understanding the causes and treatments for this condition, bad breath can be brought under control.
Situations that allow the bacteria that cause bad breath to proliferate in your mouth include: poor oral hygiene, decayed teeth, periodontal disease, dry mouth, spicy foods, and canker sores.
There are several steps to eliminating bad breath. First and foremost, oral hygiene must be established. After a thorough dental cleaning in the dental office, which may take more than one visit, it is essential that you establish a habit of regular home care, including brushing, flossing and tongue cleansing. If you have never cleaned your tongue regularly before, this step alone can significantly reduce bad breath. Tongue cleansing should be performed twice a day with a special tongue cleaner, available at our office. Any decay or defective fillings in your mouth must be eliminated. You should immediately discontinue using any alcohol-based mouthwash, and reduce alcoholic beverage consumption. You should use an alcohol-free, oxygenating mouthwash three times a day. Tobacco use should be eliminated. Any medications you are taking that may be causing you to have dry mouth should be discontinued or changed, if at all possible. Minimizing consumption of spicy foods can have the added benefit of reducing the frequency with which you experience canker sores.