Halitosis can be an embarrassing and distasteful condition that most people want to eliminate as soon as possible. No wonder store counters everywhere are stacked full with mints, chewing gum and breath fresheners. Certainly, they are supportive in hiding bad odor, but only temporarily. They do not eliminate the cause of the problem.
Bad breath has many potential sources most of which can be addressed with the addition of certain healthy habits. Always of the utmost importance, especially if being forgotten, is proper dental hygiene. Brushing 2x each day with a soft-bristled brush and also scrubbing the tongue and palate should be your first defense against bad breath. If this doesn’t immediately clear up the odor, consult your dentist to find out if there is a more serious issue at fault
Probable Sources of Halitosis:
-Edibles like onions and garlic. Some spices.
-Smoking and all products of tobacco.
-Not enough brushing and flossing.
-Dry mouth and insufficient saliva production. Lack of saliva contributes to bad breath by the inability to cleanse food particles from the teeth and mouth.
-Certain medications that contribute to dry mouth.
-Mouth infections, sores and wounds.
-Acid reflux and indigestion. Also called GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
-Other mouth, nose and throat ailments from disease or disorders. Cancers, metabolic conditions, etc., can bring foul mouth odor because of chemicals that are produced. Children may have bad breath due to food items being lodged in the nostril.
If you need an evaluation to discover the reason for chronic bad breath, Dr. Phillip White would be happy to help you. Please contact Dental Corner to make an appointment at: 316-681-2425, or come by our office in Wichita, Kansas.