BAD BREATH TREATMENT

Bad breath (Halitosis) is usually a sign of poor oral hygiene although lots of conditions are associated with it. Surely, we all become self-conscious when it comes to our breath and no one wants to be remembered otherwise! Halitosis can impact your social and close relationships and your overall self-esteem.

Causes

• Digestive Issues- Conditions like peptic ulcers and GERD (Reflux disease) cause the food odour in the stomach to make their way up through the food pipe into the mouth and cause bad breath.
• Poor Oral Hygiene- the top reason. Tartar and plaque deposits in the mouth not only cause gum and bone disease but also give a foul odour.
• Certain Food items- like garlic and onions
• Respiratory and Tonsil infections
• Dry Mouth- inadequate saliva is also associated with bad breath.
• Certain medications
• Fungal Infections of the mouth- oral thrush

Treatment

Again, it is prudent to first assess the cause of the bad breath – if it is due to dry mouth the underlying medical condition should be addressed first. Proper Scaling (cleaning) and polishing of teeth, good home hygiene measures are crucial. Drinking plenty of water, having a well-balanced diet, cessation of smoking and good oral hygiene are suggested to combat this issue. At the dentist, a good cleaning and polishing procedure is recommended and mostly try not to forget your regular checkups to the dentist.