Bad breath | Treatment for

Monday, July 24, 2006

Bad breath is very common. For some people, it is a result of certain foods they eat, such as onions or garlic. For others, bad breath is a result of poor oral hygiene or an underlying illness or medical condition. Once you know what causes bad breath, you can then begin to treat it and sometimes prevent bad breath altogether.

Treatment for Bad Breath:

1. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination and cleaning. If you are in good oral health, your dentist may recommend consulting with your physician to help determine the cause of your bad breath.

2. Once your teeth have been professionally cleaned, maintain a good healthy oral hygiene routine that includes flossing, brushing your tongue, and regular visits to the dentist for examination and a professional cleaning to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

3. Periodontal disease, cavities, and any oral infections need to be treated and repaired. Any infected teeth should be treated or extracted.

4. Keep a list of the foods you eat and any medications you take if you experience constant bad breath. Your dentist can review this list with you and it will help to determine whether the bad breath is a result of your diet, medication, or an underlying medical condition.

5. Thoroughly clean any partials or dentures daily.

6. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you think you may have a sinus, ear, nose, or throat infection, or postnasal drip.

7. Mouthwashes may help to temporarily treat bad breath. If you frequently use mouthwash or some other type of breath freshener, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination and professional cleaning.

Because bad breath is most often caused by a poor oral hygiene routine, it is very important to start and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth, tongue, and flossing daily, not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it also helps to eliminate bad breath.