Approximately one out of every four people in the United States struggle from halitosis (bad breath) on a regular basis. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons that people seek dental care. The good news is that halitosis can be prevented through easy changes in your oral care routine and diet.
The best ways to prevent halitosis are to brush and floss after every meal, avoid dry mouth, and schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This review discusses what halitosis is and why dentists recommend these three tips to prevent halitosis, along with insights into what a patient can do if halitosis develops.
Halitosis is simply a more technical term for bad breath. While it may not seem like a major issue, it can be a sign of oral health concerns such as periodontal disease or a build-up of plaque and tartar on the surfaces of teeth. In other instances, halitosis could be the result of dry mouth or dietary choices, such as eating onions or garlic. It is important to get halitosis under control and prevent it from becoming chronic in order to protect long-term oral health.
Perhaps the best defense to halitosis is to practice good oral hygiene. Most notably, this should include brushing and flossing several times each day. For patients who may be at a higher risk of developing halitosis, it can be beneficial to brush and floss after every meal. Of course, food choices can also impact the patient’s breath, and limiting the consumption of foods with a strong odor can be helpful.
Dry mouth is a common cause of halitosis. One of the roles of saliva is to wash away bacteria in the mouth. When there is a lack of saliva, dry mouth can occur, which can allow bacteria to accumulate. One way to deal with this concern is to simply sip water throughout the day. Other beverages, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and wine, can be counterintuitive and make the halitosis worse.
Regular dental cleanings are important for everyone, especially patients who are at a higher risk of halitosis. Dental cleanings serve to remove any plaque and tartar that has built up on the surface of teeth and along the gum line. If the plaque and tartar are not removed, it could eventually generate a foul-smelling odor that is hard to get rid of without dental treatment.
If you have an issue with halitosis and have not found relief through at-home care or if you have gone more than six months without a dental visit, we encourage you to contact our dental practice today. We can help determine the underlying reason for the bad breath and treat the concern accordingly.
Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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