What You Can Do About Halitosis or Bad Breath

Has anyone ever told you that you have bad breath? It’s not something that most people will point out, but if you have a foul taste in your mouth or if you notice a foul odor when you are flossing, chances are good that your breath might not be as fresh as you’d like. What can you do about it? Here are some pointers:

Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Are you brushing twice daily and flossing every night before bed? If you aren’t, food debris and plaque might be hiding between your teeth and under your gumline. This can create a pungent aroma. Start brushing and flossing as directed by your dentist and see if your halitosis improves. If not…

Visit Your Dentist

If you have tooth decay or gum disease, that might be the source of your bad breath. It’s possible that you just need a good professional cleaning or a filling replaced to freshen up your breath. If you have an abscess or rampant decay, more dental work might be needed. Either way, that visit is the first step toward solving your halitosis problem.

Review Your Medications

Do you take any medications that could be giving you bad breath? Some common culprits are antihistamines, antibiotics, and heart pills. Of course, you should never stop taking any prescription medication without the express advice of your doctor to do so. If you are being bothered by a bad taste in your mouth or a dry mouth, however, bring it up and see if there’s alternative medication you can take instead.

Keep Your Saliva Flowing

If your mouth is dry, chewing sugarless gum or sipping water frequently can bring you relief. It can also clear up bad breath.

Check In With Your Physician

Some health problems, including diabetes and stomach ulcers, can cause bad breath. If yours does not seem to be stemming from a dental issue, then check in to see if some other condition could be causing it.

You don’t have to live with bad breath! Give us a call to schedule an appointment, and we can help you improve your breath and defeat halitosis.