Treating Bad Breath

Having somebody approach you and inform you that your breath is bad breath is a humiliating thing to experience, no matter how they sugarcoat it or how gently they word it. It is also typically an indication that you should make an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, is often a symptom of deeper-rooted health and/or dental issues. Therefore, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Attempting to cover up the issue by eating an excessive amount of mints and overusing mouthwash will only hide the issue. It will not find and treat the cause.

It is essential to keep in mind that if you do notice that you have bad breath, you are not alone. Halitosis is the third most popular dental problem that prompts people to solicit a consult with a licensed dentist. At our Del Mar offices, our professionals use a methodical strategy to figure out the reason for your bad breath and offer a practical and viable solution to your problem.

Causes

90 percent of all mouth-related smells emanate from the mouth itself, caused by either something that you ate or by bacteria that are present in your mouth. The majority of foul odors stem from proteins that become trapped in your mouth that are not properly broken down by oral bacteria. When these proteins are allowed to remain on your tongue, they are able to give off a rather offensive odor. Sinus difficulties, dry mouth, substandard oral hygiene, and a poor diet are also able to produce bad breath in people. In a select few circumstances, a legitimate medical ailment could actually be the problem.

Treatment

The most suitable resolution to your bad breath problem will hinge on figuring out the actual cause of the halitosis. If your bad breath originates in your mouth, it is most likely caused by tooth decay or possibly even gum disease, both of which will need to be medically treated in order to resolve the issue. If your bad breath turns out to be systemic in its origin, then a more comprehensive assessment from your doctor may be required. The answer might also be as basic as showing you the best way to adequately eliminate bacterial plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, or give you guidance on the right way to clean your tongue. If the cause of your halitosis turns out to be gum disease, our office will most likely recommend a deep dental cleaning and possibly a round or two of antibiotics.

Your teeth have to be properly maintained if you want to keep your smile both beautiful and functional. The cosmetic dentistry treatments offered by Curtis L. Chan, DDS in Del Mar, California, will help you obtain the beautiful smile you have always wanted and will ensure that your teeth remain strong and your mouth stays healthy. 

For more information on procedures frequently used in cosmetic dentistry and your overall oral health, contact our Del Mar dental office at (858) 481-9090 to schedule an appointment.