If your breath is not as fresh as it should be, you are not alone. Bad breath, a condition known as halitosis, affects most people at some point in their lives. Simple lifestyle changes can usually control this embarrassing condition. If, however, your bad breath persists, a visit to Dr. Rick Dentistry will have you on your way to fresher breath and the confidence to get up close and personal.

What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

Bad breath usually results from poor oral hygiene practices. Without daily brushing and flossing, food particles remain in the mouth, providing odor-causing bacteria a plentiful food source to feast and flourish. Poor oral hygiene also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, two leading causes of bad breath. Damaged dental work, mouth infections, and oral health problems can also lead to unpleasant breath.

Additional factors contributing to bad breath include consuming odor-causing foods such as garlic and onions, smoking and using tobacco products, and dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia. Medications that cause dry mouth can also lead to bad breath, as can certain medical conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, postnasal drip, and infections of the respiratory tract, sinuses, nose, and throat.

Bad Breath Home Remedies

The first step in combating not-so-fresh breath is maintaining meticulous oral hygiene care. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Don’t forget to clean your tongue and any dental appliances, such as dentures or mouthguards.

Simple lifestyle changes can also help. Limit your consumption of onions, garlic, and other odor-causing spices, and refrain from smoking or the use of tobacco products. If you have a dry mouth, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy with xylitol to stimulate saliva production.

Bad Breath Treatments 

If simple lifestyle changes and enhanced oral health care do not get your bad breath under control, Dr. Rick and his team are here to help. If we determine that your chronic bad breath is due to an oral health condition, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, dry mouth, oral infections, or damaged dental work, we will recommend prompt treatment for lasting relief. We may also prescribe artificial saliva to combat dry mouth or a medicated rinse to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria.

If you are taking medications that cause dry mouth, we may recommend talking to your healthcare provider about the possibility of switching to alternate drugs. We may also recommend a visit to your physician to rule out or treat any health conditions causing the unpleasant mouth odor.

Keeping Bad Breath at Bay

The best way to keep your breath fresh year-round is to maintain proper oral hygiene care. Don’t forget to visit Dr. Rick Dentistry for routine exams and dental cleanings. We will monitor your oral health and treat any condition as it develops, lowering your risk of a host of oral health concerns, including halitosis. We will also remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and gum line, leaving you with minty clean and fresh breath.

Bad Breath Treatment Near Me in Scottsdale, AZ

Visit Dr. Rick’s dental practice to learn more about the causes, management, and treatment of halitosis. Dr. Rick and his team will work with you to uncover the underlying causes of your bad breath and recommend the best treatment options for lasting relief. Are you ready to restore your fresh, confident smile? Call us and schedule your appointment today!