What is Halitosis? How can a dentist help prevent bad breath?

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis or fetor oris, affects everyone at some point in life. Halitosis significantly impacts both the personal and social life of those who suffer from it. Not only does it cause embarrassment but also lead to anxiety. While bad odor from the mouth can result from poor dental habits, an underlying health problem can also cause Halitosis. 

So, what causes Halitosis?

• Bad breath can be due to the growth of odor-producing bacteria in the mouth, especially when you don’t brush or floss regularly. Poor oral care habits lead to the accumulation of bacteria on the leftover food bits in between your teeth. These bacteria release sulfur, which makes your breath smell.

• Certain food items, including onion and garlic, also contribute to bad breath. Apart from this, smoking and chewing tobacco can also be a primary reason behind bad breath. Tobacco products also increase the chances of gum disease, leading to bad breath. In addition, an underlying health disease, such as cancer, liver disorder, respiratory infection, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), can cause bad breath.

• Another reason behind bad breath is dry mouth. Since saliva helps clean the mouth and tongue naturally, if you don’t drink enough water and your mouth is dry due to a specific disease like xerostomia, it can also cause a bad odor.

• Last but not least, fasting and crash diets can also produce a bad odor. When you are fasting or eating a keto diet, your body produces ketones - molecules that break down fats for energy instead of carbohydrates. And these ketones usually have a strong smell.

What are the symptoms of bad breath?

Apart from foul smell from the mouth, the symptoms of Halitosis are as follow:

• Persistent dry mouth

• Change in taste

• White coating on the tongue

• Tartar buildup around the teeth

• Frequent need for clearing of the throat

• Experiencing post-nasal drip

While the symptoms may vary from person to person, the intensity of bad breath may differ when you wake up in the morning or after smoking, drinking coffee, or eating certain food items, including garlic.

How to prevent bad breath?

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help you remove food debris and plaque, enabling you to get rid of a foul smell. Bacteria on the tongue also contribute to bad breath. So, don’t forget to brush your tongue. You can use mouthwash after every meal to remove small food bits. Also, always use a good quality toothbrush and replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.

• Schedule regular dental checkups: Experts suggest individuals should see their family dentist in Barrie at least twice a year for an oral examination. Not only can your dentist help you maintain your oral health but also identify the symptoms of any oral issues.

• Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products: Smoking can worsen bad breath. So, you should avoid smoking or tobacco-based products. If you find it difficult to quit smoking, you can ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

• Stay hydrated: When you consume enough water, it will keep your mouth and body hydrated. Chewing sugarless gum or candy also boosts the production of saliva, which helps keep your mouth and tongue clean and get rid of bad breath.

How can a dentist help treat bad breath?

If you think you have bad breath, pay attention to your oral hygiene habits. Try altering your lifestyle and brush your tongue and teeth after eating. In case your bad breath persists, it is time to find the best dentist in your area.

Your emergency dentist in Barrie will smell your breath and try to find the source of the odor. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and oral issues. They may ask you to visit the clinic in the morning without brushing your teeth. They may ask you questions like:

• How often do you brush and floss

• What food items do you eat

• Do you suffer from any allergy

• Are you taking any medication

• For how long have you been facing this problem

Make sure you answer all such questions truthfully. Your dentist may also recommend you to undergo some tests, especially if the odor doesn’t seem to be coming from your teeth or mouth. So, make sure you visit your dentist if the problem persists. Before you choose a family dentist, make sure you check the client testimonials to ensure you will get the best family dentistry services.