Talking To a General Dentist About Bad Breath

If you are struggling with chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, you are not alone, and your general dentist can help. The first step to fresher breath is understanding the causes of bad breath and how to talk to your dentist. A general dentist can help you determine what is causing your halitosis and help you with treatment.

Understanding the causes of bad breath

Common causes of halitosis range from dietary choices and poor oral hygiene to oral infections and health conditions. Leading contributors to bad breath can include a build-up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth structures, as well as conditions such as dry mouth, gum disease, or tooth decay. Tobacco use and eating certain foods can also play a significant role in bad breath. However, sometimes bad breath does not originate in the mouth and can be related to medications one takes.

Talking to your general dentist

In addition to talking to the dentist about immediate symptoms, patients should take stock of their health and habits. They should note how often they brush and floss, the food and drink they consume, and any supplements or medications they take daily. Patients should be prepared to talk to the dentist about any ongoing health conditions and past dental work. All of these things can factor in chronic bad breath.

How a general dentist can help

After taking in the information mentioned in the section above, the dentist will likely do an exam and possibly some diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause of the halitosis. Addressing the cause is typically the key to treating bad breath. Common treatment options from a general dentist include:

Dental cleaning

A dentist can do a thorough cleaning to remove a build-up of plaque and tartar from the teeth. In addition, this allows the dentist to check for any emerging dental problems contributing to halitosis. Regular checkups and cleaning are always important, not only for controlling bad breath but also for keeping the mouth healthy.

Treating oral health conditions

Gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth are three of the most common oral health conditions that have halitosis as a symptom. Bad breath is often one of the first signs of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease that can be reversed with treatment. Other treatments include removing and filling cavities and dealing with tooth decay, plaque, or bacteria trapped under crowns or other restorations.

Hygiene and lifestyle guidance

After thoroughly cleaning and treating any lingering dental health issues, a general dentist will have recommendations for preventing bad breath. For example, for those struggling with bad breath due to dry mouth, a dentist can recommend a special mouthwash designed to treat dry mouth. Other recommendations include a thorough oral hygiene routine, brushing the tongue and gums, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugarless gum.