Most of us experience bad breath at least once. In most cases, the unpleasant smell is very temporary. Over-the-counter mints, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste usually resolve the issue. However, in some cases, bad breath may linger. If you have difficulty freshening your breath, your next move should be a visit to your dentist. At Lovett Dental Gulfgate, we offer effective solutions that treat the underlying causes of bad breath.
The Role of Food in Bad Breath
The most common cause of bad breath is the food we eat. In the absence of brushing and flossing, food particles that settle between and around your teeth and gumline break down and increase bacteria. The bacteria may cause an unpleasant odor. Consuming pungent foods like garlic, onions, and certain spices may also give your breath an offending smell. After you digest these foods and herbs, they enter your bloodstream and eventually flow to your lungs, where their distinct smells may resurface when you exhale.
Bad Habits That Contribute to Bad Breath
Not only is smoking unhealthy for your lungs, but the habit directly affects your oral health. Many consider the smell that tobacco leaves in the mouth to be unpleasant. People who smoke are also more likely to develop gum disease, which can cause mouth odor.
Poor oral hygiene practices also cause bad breath. In addition to allowing decaying food particles to build up in between your teeth and gums, not brushing and flossing daily also allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate. Plaque irritates your gums and may also allow pockets of plaque to form between your teeth and gums, causing gum disease. It is also important to brush or gently scrape your tongue using a tongue scraper. Otherwise, food particles may also accumulate on your tongue and cause bad breath. A general dentistry expert will work with you to help you develop proper oral care practices. This can alleviate your concerns about lingering bad breath.
Treatment for Health Conditions That Can Be Causes of Bad Breath
Our dentists treat bad breath in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying cause. Your dentist may smell your breath from your nose and mouth and rate the odor on a scale. Based on his or her assessment, your dentist will determine whether the underlying cause is a hygiene issue or a condition that requires treatment. In-office treatments your dentist may recommend include replacing faulty tooth restorations like crowns or specialized periodontal treatment if your dentist detects plaque in pockets between your teeth and gums. Patients who have gum disease may need a specialized deep cleaning to eliminate odorous bacteria between the teeth and gums. Your Lovett Dental Gulfgate dentist will work with you carefully to determine the most appropriate solution to give you long-lasting, fresh breath.
Comprehensive Oral Health Care
At Lovett Dental Gulfgate, we aim to provide immediate solutions in addition to supporting long-term wellness. We offer comprehensive dental care for all members of your family. If your visit with us reveals an underlying condition that causes bad breath or other symptoms, we will help you understand what you are experiencing with your dental health and recommend effective solutions. Our goal is to empower each of our patients with the knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their dental health.
In addition to treating major dental health conditions, we also offer regular routine care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry options will allow you to achieve the smile of your dreams. Your children will feel comfortable regularly visiting our pediatric dentists, who will help them develop healthy habits from the beginning.
Whether you are looking for bad breath treatment options or if you are looking for a new home dentist for your family, contact us to learn how we can be your trustworthy partners in dental health and overall wellness. Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate today at 713-847-8822 for an immediate appointment.
