Halitosis is a medical term for bad breath. Normally, it is not that alarming to have bad breath. All you may need is a small upgrade in your oral care or hygiene. However, there are some cases when it can be serious and develops tooth decay and gingivitis. As early as possible, it is important to prevent halitosis from causing you serious oral problems. Reach out to Lovett Dental in Pasadena to learn about how we can help.
Common Causes of Halitosis
The first step to avoid halitosis is by knowing its root causes. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the common causes of halitosis so you can apply necessary changes to your oral healthcare routine. Common causes include:
- Infections after teeth extraction or oral surgery
- Eating garlic and spicy foods
- Drinking coffee and soft drinks
- Dry mouth and lack of water
- Morning breath
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Bad oral hygiene practices
Halitosis is a common health problem that affects about 1 in 5 individuals. However, halitosis isn’t always a big health concern. It can still affect a person’s self-esteem. If this is bothering you, there are easy ways to make your breath smell fresh and cool.
Tips to Prevent Halitosis
Brush and Floss
Brushing your teeth helps remove food excess and prevents plaque buildup. Do this twice every day for at least 2 minutes. Avoid brushing too long for 30 minutes or aggressively as it can cause dental wounds and infections.
Pair this with dental flossing to remove germs lurking between the small gaps of your teeth. Do this at least once every day to eliminate germs your toothbrush can’t reach.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can eliminate the underlying bacteria in your mouth. Remember not to overuse it and only use it at least once a day. Determining which mouthwash to use may vary according to your oral needs. Ask your dentist for a mouthwash that will best suit your oral health needs.
Practice a Healthy Diet
Food is an important factor to consider in preventing halitosis. It may only stay in your stomach, but the smell can linger in your body. Avoid spicy and foods that contain a lot of garlic. Limit your sugar and alcohol intake as they can cause decay and bad breath in the long run.
Instead, eat healthy foods such as those that encourage chewing. Food such as carrots and apples help improve saliva production. Saliva helps clean dirty particles in your mouth that cause halitosis.
Stay Hydrated
It may seem like old advice to regularly drink your water, but it can help keep your mouth moist and hydrated. A dry mouth might limit saliva production and cause bad odors due to lack of water. Follow the normal guide of 4-6 or more glasses a day to prevent dehydration.
Keep Dentures Clean
Dental dentures may be teeth replacements, but they can still cause halitosis if cleanliness is not maintained. Food excess and plaque buildup will still lurk on the inner corners of your teeth. So brush and floss your dentures the usual way you did in the past. You may take it out at night and thoroughly clean its corners for the next morning.
Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups
It is important to get a professional teeth cleaning and examination. Halitosis can mean many possible problems for your health, so a regular trip to the dentist every 6 months is important. If you feel like you already have halitosis, it’s best to let a dentist identify your oral problem.
Lovett Dental Pasadena Can Help with Halitosis
Avoiding halitosis is not just a matter of improving your self-esteem in social gatherings. It can also save you from underlying health issues in your body. If you need help with maintaining oral healthcare, we offer dental care services that include:
Some cases of bad breath can be controlled, while some might require dental advice to alleviate. If halitosis has been bothering you for weeks, we know how to help. Call Lovett Dental Pasadena at 281-998-8800 to book your appointment with us or complete our convenient online form for more information.
