No one is safe from the occasional bout of bad breath caused by onions or garlic, but what if you have bad breath all the time? Also known as halitosis, foul breath can prevent you from fully enjoying life if you’re constantly worried about offending friends and coworkers every time you open your mouth. Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart explains the causes of bad breath and the treatments he offers to knock out your offensive breath for good.
What causes bad breath?
Most cases of bad breath are due to a proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria, which naturally cling to the teeth, gums, and tongue, are not regularly cleaned away with good oral hygiene, they grow and produce foul odors. Some oral health problems can make bad breath even worse, including gum disease, tooth decay, and xerostomia (dry mouth).
How can I eliminate bad breath?
Brushing your teeth, flossing, scraping your tongue, and swishing with mouthwash will often eliminate bad breath, provided you do not have any oral health problems that are the root cause of your halitosis. If you do have cavities or gum disease, Dr. Stewart will treat them to restore your mouth to full health and help eliminate the side effect of bad breath. For stubborn cases of halitosis, Dr. Stewart offers BreathRx, a professional treatment containing Zytex, an ingredient that effectively kills odor-causing bacteria. This three-step system involves brushing with a toothpaste containing Zytec, cleaning your tongue with a special scraper, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouth rinse. Dr. Stewart offers other BreathRx products as well, including tongue spray, gum, and mints, to help you freshen your breath on the go.
What if dental treatments don’t work?
If BreathRx doesn’t do the trick, or if Dr. Stewart cannot find a dental cause for your bad breath, a medical condition may be the culprit. If this is the case, Dr. Stewart will refer you to your physician. Possible medical causes of bad breath include sinus infections, respiratory infections, diabetes, liver disease, or acid reflux disease.
To determine the root cause of your foul breath, schedule an appointment at our Livonia dentist office by calling (734) 425-4400. Dr. Stewart treats patients from Novi, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Dearborn, and the surrounding communities.