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 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. Several common causes of halitosis can be remedied with personalized dental care and oral hygiene:
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 from 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.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath happens to everyone now and then. Maybe after a garlic-heavy meal or first thing in the morning. But if you find yourself reaching for mints or gum all the time, or if you worry that people can smell your breath, there is probably something else going on.
The good news is that bad breath usually has a clear cause. And once you know what is causing it, you can fix it. Here are the most common reasons.
Poor Oral Hygiene
This is the most frequent cause. When you do not brush and floss regularly, food particles stay in your mouth. Bacteria love to feast on those leftover bits. As they break down the food, they release foul-smelling gases.
The surface of your tongue is another hiding spot for bacteria. If your tongue looks coated or white, those bacteria are busy producing odors. A simple tongue scraper or brushing your tongue gently can make a big difference.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleaning system. It washes away food particles and keeps bacteria under control. When your mouth is dry, that cleaning system slows down.
Dry mouth can happen for many reasons. Some medications cause it as a side effect. Breathing through your mouth at night can dry it out. So can not drink enough water during the day.
If dry mouth is the issue, sipping water throughout the day helps. So does chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
Food and Drink
You probably already know the usual suspects. Garlic, onions, and spicy foods can linger long after the meal is over. Coffee and alcohol are also common culprits. They both dry out your mouth, which lets bacteria thrive.
You do not have to give up these things entirely. But brushing soon after eating or drinking, or at least rinsing with water, can help keep odors under control.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and chewing tobacco leave their own strong smell. But they also do more damage. Tobacco products dry out your mouth and increase your risk of gum disease. Both of those lead to even more bad breath.
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your breath and your overall health.
Gum Disease
This is an important one. If your breath smells bad no matter how much you brush, gum disease could be the reason.
When plaque builds up below the gum line, it creates pockets where bacteria multiply. Those bacteria release sulfur compounds that smell unpleasant. If your gums bleed when you floss or look red and swollen, don’t ignore them. Treating gum disease early will protect your breath and your teeth.
Digestive Issues
Sometimes the problem starts further down. Acid reflux, indigestion, or other digestive issues can bring stomach gases back up into your mouth. If you notice bad breath along with heartburn or a sour taste, your digestion may be the link.
Infections
A sinus infection, sore throat, or respiratory infection can all cause bad breath. The mucus produced during these infections is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Once the infection clears, the smell usually goes away, too.
Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of something deeper. Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and other conditions can change the way your body processes waste. This can create a distinct smell on the breath.
If your oral health is good and you have ruled out other causes, it is worth talking to your doctor.
Patient Review
Bad Breath FAQs
A variety of things can cause bad breath. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
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 don’t regularly change your toothbrush, you could be brushing bacteria onto your teeth. 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 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 for two minutes twice a day, you may need to schedule a dental visit. A dentist will provide oral health tips and treatment if needed.