Bad Breath (Halitosis Treatment) in Lehi, UT

Have you ever done the “breath test”?

The breath test is when you cup your hand over your mouth and breathe out in an attempt to smell your breath. Sometimes people do this if they worry about things like morning breath, coffee breath, or after eating something sharp like a tuna sandwich.

If this sounds familiar to you, the good news is that it’s completely normal to have bad breath in the morning or after consuming certain things.

However, it’s abnormal to have bad breath even if you brush regularly, don’t smoke, and avoid odorous foods. In these cases, there might be cause for concern. If this sounds like you, then you might suffer from a medical condition called halitosis.

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is one of the most common side effects of poor dental health in America, affecting one-fourth of Americans each year.

Halitosis is more extreme than morning breath and is present no matter the type of foods you eat. It’s a chronic issue where brushing and mouthwash can’t solve the odor.

In many cases, halitosis is a result of an underlying problem, like smoking habits or present infection. Although this sounds frightening, most of the time these problems have simple solutions.

Signs and Symptoms of Halitosis

Keep in mind that halitosis is not the bad breath you get in the morning or after eating a stinky meal. It’s a recurring problem that doesn’t seem to go away. Symptoms of halitosis include:

Chronic bad breath
A bad taste in the mouth
Frequent dry mouth

There are many reasons that halitosis occurs. It could be a result of poor oral hygiene, bad habits, or the result of an underlying health problem. Some possible causes behind Halitosis could be:

Food
Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Poor Hygiene
Dry mouth
Medication
Infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, or postnasal drip
Other health issues which may include diabetes or liver or kidney problems, cancer, or metabolic disorders

If you don’t practice good dental hygiene, you put yourself at risk for several health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and general discomfort. More significant health problems associated with bad breath could also occur:

Gum disease (Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis)
Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
Tooth decay and cavities
Start and spread of mouth infections

If you’re worried you might have halitosis, your best choice is to treat it by visiting your dentist. There, your provider will be able to identify the source of the issue and can recommend specific products to eliminate the problem.

How to Treat Halitosis in Lehi, UT

When you eat food, little particles get stuck around and in between your teeth and gum line. By brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, you’re getting rid of these stubborn leftover pieces, which prevents plaque buildup, cavities, and infections from developing.

You can begin treating halitosis at home by:

Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products
Chewing sugarless gum or sugarless candy also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles
Drink lots of water, so your mouth stays moist, which also helps prevent dry mouth disease and discomfort
Use ADA-approved antiseptic mouthwash

If these methods don’t make a difference, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. At the dentist, your doctor will give you a cleaning to help clear out any buildup or excess. He or she may also give you a list of antiseptic mouthwashes which can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath.

If there is an infection or decaying tooth present, then you will discuss the next steps. Some problems that can result from untreated issues might be gum disease, tonsil stones, or tooth decay.

Canyon Crest Dental Can Treat Chronic Bad Breath

Everybody knows dental health is essential, so it might surprise you to learn that nearly 66 percent of Americans don’t go to the dentist regularly.

There are several reasons why people might avoid going to the dentist, one of them being fear. The good news is that professionals like the team at Canyon Crest Dental are here to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

If you notice anything abnormal about your oral or dental help, the first thing you’ll want to do is visit your dentist. At Canyon Crest, we are here to help you have the best oral health possible.

Our team of experts looks forward to giving you the smile you deserve! Give us a call at 801-753-9005 or contact us today to set up an appointment.

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