Halitosis Treatment in Savannah, GA

Halitosis, the medical term for bad breath, is fairly common and can often be addressed by maintaining good oral hygiene or changing your habits and diet. That being said, there are also other potential underlying causes that may contribute to halitosis.

If you’re struggling with recurring halitosis and you don’t know the cause, contact Habersham Dental. Our dentists can diagnose bad breath causes and help you maintain fresh breath!

What Is Halitosis?

The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. While it’s common to experience bad breath occasionally, particularly after consuming pungent foods like garlic or onions, persistent halitosis may indicate an underlying oral health problem or a condition affecting other parts of the body. Halitosis can be a symptom of various conditions, acting as a warning message from your body. Identifying the root cause of halitosis is crucial in effectively treating the issue.

What Are Symptoms of Halitosis?

Halitosis is commonly recognized by a noticeable odor emanating from the mouth that exceeds typical standards. This can be particularly noticeable upon waking or after consuming odorous foods. However, if it persists even with good oral hygiene, it may be time to consult your dentist.

What Causes Halitosis?

Halitosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Certain foods: Foods such as garlic and onions can affect your breath until they are fully digested and eliminated from your body.
Poor oral hygiene: Without proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, food particles remain in the mouth, leading to bacterial growth and bad breath.
Improper cleaning of dentures: If not cleaned correctly, dentures can harbor bacteria and food particles that lead to halitosis.
Tongue bacteria: Certain bacteria on the tongue can react with amino acids in food and produce sulfur compounds that lead to bad breath.
Periodontal disease: Bad-smelling breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth are common symptoms of this gum disease, requiring professional oral care.
Dry mouth: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is often a significant contributor to halitosis. Saliva helps cleanse the mouth of food particles and debris, so a decrease in its production can lead to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by certain medications, salivary gland disorders, or mouth breathing.
Tobacco use: Tobacco products can stain teeth and put the body at risk for various diseases while also causing bad breath.
Health conditions: Bad breath may be a symptom of certain health conditions such as respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal or liver/kidney disorders. A healthcare provider should be consulted for diagnosis.

How to Treat Halitosis

The treatment for halitosis is determined by the underlying cause of the condition, which may include:

Poor oral hygiene: If the bad breath is caused by improper oral healthcare, your dentist can address the cause of the problem.
Gum disease: If underlying gum disease is the cause, your dentist may treat the condition, or you may be referred to a periodontist for periodontal cleaning to remove bacteria, tartar, and plaque that cause inflammation at the gumline.
Plaque buildup: An antimicrobial mouth rinse may be recommended by your dentist or periodontist, and brushing your tongue gently while brushing your teeth may help remove odor-causing bacteria.
Health conditions: Diagnosis and treatment of an existing health condition can help eliminate bad breath.

How to Prevent Halitosis

Maintaining fresh breath is easy with these simple tips:

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily to remove food particles and plaque buildup.
Don't forget to brush your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them thoroughly and remove them at night. Check with your dentist before using any deodorizing products.
Quit smoking to improve your overall health and freshen your breath.
Eat crunchy foods like apples and carrots to promote saliva flow. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production.
Keep up with your dental check-ups to catch any issues early on. If your dentist can't find a cause for bad breath, they may refer you to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Expert Bad Breath Treatment in Savannah

Although halitosis can lead to feelings of embarrassment or low self-esteem, it’s important to remember that it’s a common condition that can be treated. Instead of feeling ashamed, recognize that bad breath is often a signal from your body that something needs attention.

The good news is that halitosis can typically be eliminated by addressing the underlying health issue! Your dentist will collaborate with you to determine the best bad breath treatment for you.