Understanding and Dealing with Bad Breath
Hi, this is Dr. Chan here with Crown Dentistry. Today, we're going to be answering questions about bad breath. Hopefully, after this video, you'll have a better understanding of what's involved and how you can ensure it doesn't happen to you.
What is bad breath, and how is it defined clinically?
Bad breath, technically known as halitosis, means there's a persistent bad or negative odor coming from your mouth and the oral cavity.
What are the most common causes of bad breath?
One of the most common causes of bad breath is the presence of VSCs, which stands for volatile sulfur compounds. There are many things in our mouth. The mouth is often said to be the dirtiest place in the body, and in many ways, that's true. There are numerous things entering and leaving your mouth. Consider eating and drinking, which introduce food particles, utensils, bottles, and cups into your mouth. There are also things exiting your mouth, like when you cough or sneeze. If you're unwell, you might vomit.
The point is, a lot goes in and out of your mouth, bringing bacteria with it. If you're healthy with a good immune system, your body should manage these bacteria. However, bacteria are living organisms that consume and produce waste. This waste, which includes volatile sulfur compounds, smells unpleasant, like rotten eggs, sewage, or rotting vegetables. This is why we stress good oral hygiene habits, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash, to prevent bacteria and their waste products from building up and causing bad breath.
What is halitosis, and how is it different from occasional bad breath?
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath, indicating a persistent odor from your mouth. Halitosis can be temporary or chronic. Everyone may experience bad breath after consuming something with a strong odor and not rinsing or brushing afterward. However, this typically resolves after oral hygiene. Some patients experience ongoing bad breath due to persistent oral problems or medical conditions. In addition to volatile sulfur compounds, acid reflux or medical conditions like diabetes can contribute to bad breath. It's important to identify the cause and address it.
Can cavities or tooth decay cause bad breath?
A common source of bad breath is rotting teeth. Cavities or tooth decay result from bacteria in your mouth eating away at your teeth, leading to a rotting smell. Like any decaying organic matter, a rotting tooth emits a bad odor, contributing to bad breath.
Can wisdom teeth contribute to bad breath?
People often blame wisdom teeth for bad breath. It's okay to have wisdom teeth if you can keep them clean and free from cavities and gum disease. Wisdom teeth are often culprits for halitosis because they're harder to clean. If you can't keep them clean, it might be time to consider removing them.
Is it normal to have bad breath after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, there might be residual infection or bacteria in the tooth socket, potentially causing bad breath. If the infection persists, it might require time to heal or medication like antibiotics. Post-extraction bad breath is common, but not inevitable.
What are signs that bad breath might be chronic rather than occasional?
To manage bad breath, ensure good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits. Excessive bacteria or gum disease can contribute to bad breath. Maintain good brushing and flossing habits, eat a healthy diet, and get regular dental cleanings to prevent gum disease, which can harbor bacteria that produce sulfur compounds.
If these measures don’t resolve bad breath, underlying medical conditions like diabetes or acid reflux might be contributing, requiring further treatment or medication.
What dental treatments are available for bad breath?
Regular dental cleanings help manage bad breath by preventing gum disease. If necessary, we can start you on a dental hygiene regimen or treat gum disease with deep cleaning or surgery. Ensuring overall health by seeing your medical doctor regularly is also important to address any other contributing issues.
What kind of mouthwash or toothpaste do you recommend for treating bad breath?
Use a fluoridated toothpaste to keep teeth strong and reduce cavities. Mouthwash is fine, but don't rely on it excessively as it might mask a more serious issue. It's important to identify the source of bad breath rather than just cover it up.
What are some home remedies that might help reduce bad breath?
Patients should brush twice daily for two minutes each time and floss regularly, ideally daily. Brushing or scraping the tongue can remove bacteria that produce unpleasant smells. Diet also affects breath; diets high in dairy or alcohol can worsen bad breath. Alcohol dries the mouth, promoting bacterial growth. Certain medications and conditions can also cause dry mouth, contributing to bad breath. Consider these factors when addressing bad breath.
How can someone tell if they have bad breath?
People can often smell their own bad breath or might be informed by family or close friends. Severe cases might allow a person to taste or smell their own bad breath. If in doubt, consult us for a professional opinion.
Is it possible to get rid of bad breath permanently?
It is possible to permanently eliminate bad breath by identifying and addressing the true source, which may involve dental and medical treatments. The key is to start the conversation, ask questions, and investigate the underlying causes.
Thanks for joining us today. I hope this video has been helpful. For further questions, please call our office at (916) 848-2145, or schedule below!