Your initial instinct may be to hide it, but you can’t conceal your bad breath for long. In fact, ignoring the cause of it can allow bad breath to grow worse, especially if it’s a chronic condition. Your best bet for ridding yourself of the burden is to track down why your breath remains offensive and eliminate the reason. Like many dental issues, it’s likely the fault of overwhelming numbers of oral bacteria.
A Little Detective Work
Before you can treat any dental condition, you have to find out and understand what’s happening. Experts have identified around a thousand identifiable kinds of bacteria in a healthy adult mouth. Some are harmless, some erode your teeth, some of them irritate and infect your gums, and many of them release volatile, foul-smelling sulfur gases. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day helps control mouth germs, but if your breath smells bad in spite of good hygiene, then a professional assessment can help you find out why.
How to Take Action
If excessive bacteria buildup is to blame for your bad breath, then Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas can recommend improvements to your daily hygiene routine after thoroughly cleaning your teeth of bacterial plaque and tartar. Antibacterial mouthwash can help keep mouth germs under control and reduce your risk of chronic bad breath, as well as cavities and gum disease. To further improve your breath, try;
· Eating breakfast in the morning to help start your flow of saliva (your mouth’s natural antibacterial rinse)
· Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, also promoting a healthy flow of saliva
· Limit your snacking habits throughout the day. The more you eat, the more bacteria release waste
· Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed and after meals, when possible
· Visit our office at least once every six months for a thorough dental checkup and cleaning
If your halitosis is the result of a developing dental infection, like cavities or gum disease, then Dr. Loukas will explain your situation and discuss appropriate treatment options to restore your fresh breath and good oral health.
About Your Chicago Dentists:
If you’re worried about bad breath that won’t go away, then visit your Chicago dentists to determine its cause, and how to treat the condition. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.
I didn’t know a cleaning could help bad breath!
Yes, a dental cleaning removes plaque from your teeth, which freshens your breath and brightens your smile!