Bad Breath Treatment Arlington Heights, IL

Bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, is often embarrassing to have. It can often affect personal and professional relationships, causing them to avoid one-on-one interactions. More importantly, it may indicate an underlying oral health problem such as periodontal disease or tooth decay. The key to successfully addressing halitosis is identifying the root cause. Arlington Heights, IL dentist Dr. Brent Engelberg provides diagnosis and treatment for bad breath to help restore your confidence- and often improve your dental health.

Treating Halitosis in Arlington Heights, IL

Dr. Engelberg will discuss your medical history, lifestyle habits and evaluate your oral health to determine the cause of your halitosis and recommend an effective treatment option. There are several common causes of halitosis that can be remedied with personalized dental care and oral hygiene:

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay and cavities
  • Yeast infections in the mouth such as thrush
  • Dry mouth
  • Lifestyle habits such as smoking
  • Poor fitting dental appliances

Halitosis can also be caused by certain medications, medical conditions and illness. In this situation, we may coordinate treatment with your regular physician.

Treatment can range from periodontal therapy to special rinses and oral hygiene products to be used regularly. Dr. Engelberg may also recommend lifestyle changes to improve your breath and overall health.

If you have been suffering with bad breath that is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Engelberg to learn more about treatment for halitosis and to improve your dental health.

Bad Breath FAQs

What can bad breath be a sign of?

Bad breath can indicate bad oral care, dry mouth, infection, or medication. It can also be caused by food and tobacco use. If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, your dentist will be able to identify the cause and help you stop it.

How can I get rid of bad breath at home?

The best thing patients can do to get rid of bad breath is to be more consistent with their oral care routine. Brushing and flossing after eating are good habits to practice to get rid of bad breath. Another good habit is regularly changing your toothbrush or its head.

Bacteria can get stuck in the bristles of your brush. If you do not regularly change your toothbrush, you could be brushing bacteria onto your teeth.

Can antibiotics cure bad breath?

Antibiotics can help work against bad breath. Your dentist can recommend antibiotics if they think it will help fight against your bad breath.

How can you treat bad breath from the tongue?

Sometimes, bacteria left on the tongue can contribute to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or cleaner or brushing the tongue with toothpaste can reduce bad breath. If you smoke, vape, or use tobacco products, it’s a good idea to use a tongue scraper to remove buildup from the tongue. Leftover nicotine can coat the tongue and lead to bad breath. 

What is the best drink for bad breath?

A simple glass of water can help reduce odor-causing bacteria and food particles. Drinking water that contains small amounts of fluoride is also beneficial for your tooth and gum health. 

Why do I have bad breath even after brushing my teeth?

If you still have bad breath after brushing, you may not have brushed or flossed thoroughly. Smells can also persist from strongly smelling foods like onions and garlic. You may also have a dental problem like gum disease or tooth decay. If you floss before brushing and brush two minutes twice a day, you may need to schedule a dental visit. A dentist will provide oral health tips and treatment if needed.