How to Cure Chronic Bad Breath
Everyone gets bad breath from time to time, but if your bad breath is noticeably pungent even after you brush your teeth, you may have chronic bad breath, also called halitosis. Surprisingly, over 65 percent of the population has this condition. While mouthwash and breath mints can help disguise chronic bad breath, there are a few things you can do to tackle the root of the problem.
Causes of Bad Breath
- Postnasal drip
- Faulty dental work
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Gum disease
- Gaps in the teeth
- Dry mouth
- Medications
- Poor oral hygiene
1. Use a Tongue Scraper
While there are many causes of chronic bad breath, the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. Since the back of the mouth lacks oxygen and is the most difficult area to clean, it makes the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. The back of the tongue collects this bacteria and can develop the same sulfur compounds found in rotten eggs and other foul-smelling things. Aside from regularly brushing your teeth, you can invest in a tongue scraper to remove the buildup that causes odor.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Stimulating the production of saliva will also help to improve chronic bad breath, as the saliva helps to wash away bacteria throughout the day. Chewing on apples or carrots in between meals can help stimulate saliva production, and drinking plenty of water can also help to rinse the mouth. Keep in mind that many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause your mouth to become excessively dry. If you take medications, you may need to rinse and clean your mouth more often to prevent bad breath and other problems caused by bacteria.
3. Correct Dental Problems
Crowded teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or even gapped teeth can trap food and bacteria in your mouth, which is another cause of bad breath. Using specific recommended products, brushing and flossing your teeth, and scraping your tongue can help, but correcting the source of the problem will be even more effective. Porcelain fillings, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and implants can restore your mouth and reduce the cause of bad breath. Dr. Fiss provides his patients with straighter, healthier smiles.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of chronic bad breath, Dr. Fiss can help to diagnose and treat it when you come in for a dental cleaning. To schedule an appointment, please call (312) 642-6631 or fill out our quick contact form today.