Dentist Talks About How to Fix Chronic Bad Breath

Bad breath is something that happens to everyone, and that is perfectly OK! It is completely natural for your breath to not always be fresh, but what happens when that not-so-fresh feeling just will not go away, even when you brush your teeth or use mouthwash? Chronic bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, but fortunately, with a few things you can do right at home and a little help from your dentist, you can make sure your breath is something you never need to worry about.

What Causes Chronic Bad Breath?

While bad breath is very common, chronic bad breath is quite different. When you have chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, it can be very difficult to get rid of even if you avoid strong smelling foods and engage in consistent oral hygiene. It can actually be a sign of a much deeper issue, such as:

• Gum Disease: This is an infection that occurs in your gums and the bone that surrounds your teeth. Once you develop it, your mouth serves as a natural incubator for the bacteria, creating ideal conditions for it to grow, and it can create a foul smell and taste in your mouth that just will not go away.
• Dry Mouth: This is a condition where your mouth is not producing enough saliva, which is necessary for it to stay clean, healthy, and fresh. Dry mouth can stem from an underlying medical condition and is also a common side effect of many different types of medication.
• Medical Conditions: Certain mouth infections, other than gum disease, can actually cause chronic bad breath as well, and they can be brought on by things such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, or liver and kidney disease.

What You Can Do About It

Fortunately, chronic bad breath is very treatable. A few effective things you can do include:

• Brush and floss consistently: Most of the time, chronic bad breath is usually the result of a lack of oral hygiene, so be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once. A key thing most people do not do is actually brush their tongue. Food particles can stick to the tongue, break down, and this can drastically influence how your breath smells. Brushing can easily clear it all away. If this does not help after a few days, you may want to try some other strategies.
• Keep your saliva flowing: Saliva is one of the ways your body naturally keeps your breath smelling fresh. If you find yourself frequently experiencing dry mouth, try drinking more water, eating foods that require a lot of chewing (like apples and carrots), or chew some sugar-free gum to get things flowing.
• Visit your dentist: This is the most direct and effective way to take care of your chronic bad breath. Your dentist should be able to identify what is causing your issue and can recommend a variety of treatments to help you solve it. Seeing them regularly will help ensure that your breath stays fresh all year round.

Chronic bad breath is certainly a pain, but there are plenty of things you can do about it, and your dentist is always ready and willing to help. If you have been experiencing chronic bad breath, be sure to set up an appointment and they will get you fixed up right away. That way, the next time you talk to someone, your breath will be the absolute last thing on your mind.

About Applegate Dental

Applegate Dental is a full spectrum dental practice that can meet all kinds of dental needs for patients of all ages, whether they need help with their bad breath or a full mouth reconstruction. No matter what your smile needs to look and feel its best, our team of dentists and staff will always have you covered. If you would like to learn more about everything you have just read, please contact us today.