Bad breath, or halitosis, is something we have all suffered from at least once in our lives! That said, if you suffer from this condition persistently, you may be getting to the point of frustration or embarrassment. Don’t fret! The source of this condition is often both identifiable and manageable! Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you’re suffering from chronic halitosis so you can find the solution fast.
1. How is your dental hygiene routine?
First and foremost, if you suffer from halitosis, then it may be time to examine the efficacy of your dental hygiene routine. This is because food residue and bacteria left on or between your teeth are a common cause of bad breath. Therefore, make sure you’re brushing at least twice per day (and after meals when you can), floss at least once per night, and throw in a mouthwash rinse as well.
2. Do you often clean your tongue?
Did you know that your tongue harbors a majority of the bacteria in your mouth? If you don’t clean your tongue daily, it could be the source of your bad breath. You can clean it with a toothbrush or even buy a specialized tongue scraper from the drugstore to remove the odor-causing film of bacteria from your tongue each day.
3. Are you a smoker?
If you’re a smoker, then you have likely heard the number of health risks that cigarettes can pose. They can be especially damaging to your oral health—increasing your likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease, and, you guessed it, halitosis. Smoking cigarettes can decrease your saliva flow, which is intended to wash away the bacteria and debris from your mouth that otherwise cause halitosis. Smoke can also linger in your lungs and cause a lasting scent that won’t be covered up with mints.
4. How is your throat feeling?
Halitosis is not always a matter of dental hygiene. If you’ve been suffering from a sore throat, fever, and painful swallowing in addition to halitosis, this could be something else altogether. Tonsillitis can often cause odor as a result of the bacteria that forms in your throat. This can often be treated with surgical intervention, but it is certainly important that you have a doctor address the issue as soon as possible.
5. Do you suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder?
Did you know that issues in the stomach can result in halitosis? If you are suffering from persistent halitosis, then it is possible that stomach ulcers or acid reflux could be to blame. These conditions cause stomach acid to rise up the throat and cause an unpleasant odor. Therefore, if you’re suffering from halitosis and believe a gastrointestinal issue could be the cause, be sure to bring this to the attention of a medical professional.
Still not certain what could be causing your halitosis? We can help. Call Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics in Crest Hill to schedule an appointment and get the treatment you need to kick this problem once and for all.