Do you rely on breath mints or chewing gum to get you through the day? Do you often back away from others when speaking? Dealing with chronic bad breath can be a hassle as well as a major threat to your self-esteem. Nearly 50 million Americans experience chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. While it may be tough to admit it, you need to confess your foul breath struggle to your dentist if you want long-term relief.
The peppermints and breath spray are not only ineffective, but they may be making your bad breath worse in the long run. Bad breath is often triggered by excess bacteria in the mouth. The additional sugars from mints are only feeding that bacteria and helping it breed. To determine the best treatment plan for your halitosis, its best to understand all of the potential culprits first.
Halitosis can be caused by a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Gum disease
- Severe decay
- Acid reflux/gastrointestinal issues
- Kidney or liver disease
- Dry mouth
At Gold Hill Dentistry, we can diagnose what is causing your embarrassing bad breath. If your gums and teeth are healthy, we may look for signs of dry mouth. Dry mouth can be due to a medical condition or a certain medication that you are taking. When saliva production is low, the pH level in the mouth is off-balance and bacteria and food debris don’t get properly rinsed away like normal. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria. When bacteria feed, they produce sulfur-smelling compounds that contribute to bad breath.
What You Can Do About Halitosis
While many patients can reverse their bad breath by stepping up their oral hygiene efforts, halitosis is not always your fault. For example, if you need a medication that is causing dry mouth, you may benefit from special dry mouth rinses to increase your saliva production and protect the health of your mouth. Most importantly, don’t ignore your bad breath. While it is disruptive and embarrassing to deal with, it could be a warning sign of a more serious condition. Call Gold Hill Dentistry today and let us help you attain fresh breath and a more confident smile!