Bad Breath (Halitosis) Causes

March 30, 2007 —Palm Beach and Broward County, Fla. – You can pop Altoids, chew Trident, and spritz Binaca until the cows come home; but if your halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene or a systemic disease, your breath may still smell like rotten eggs.

The more than 40-million Americans who suffer from halitosis spend billions on such over-the-counter remedies. Few are aware, however, that these treatments only attack the symptoms, and not the root causes.

You can treat some causes of halitosis on your own while others require professional intervention. The dentists at South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry can diagnose the cause of your halitosis and recommend the proper treatment.

VOLATILE SULFUR COMPOUNDS

VSCs found in such foods as garlic, onions, and cabbages are the primary culprit behind bad breath. When we eat, these compounds are absorbed by our digestive system, where they move into the bloodstream and from thence to the lungs.

Obviously, avoiding such foods should rid you of this form of bad breath, as will good dental hygiene. This includes a regular program of brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is your best defense against most causes of bad breath. This includes

Brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice a day;
Using a fluoride toothpaste;
Daily flossing using the proper method; and
Regular visits to your dentist for a thorough teeth cleaning.

The doctors at South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry can recommend a suitable mouth rinse, should one be needed. New products now available on the market can attack and neutralize VSCs while they are still in your digestive system or bloodstream.

PLAQUE

Dental plaque is a soft deposit on the surface of teeth that contains many different forms of bacteria. It’s most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, a poor immune system, chemotherapy, and diabetes.

PERIODONTAL (GUM) GINGIVAL DISEASE

Periodontal and gingival diseases are inflammations of the tissues surrounding your teeth, which pull your teeth away from the gums. This creates pockets in which bacteria and plaque can accumulate. A professional periodontal cleaning is required to remove accumulated deposits. More serious cases may require intervention by a South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry dentist.

XEROSTOMIA (DRY MOUTH)

Saliva helps naturally cleanse your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. Reduced saliva flow allows bacteria to grow more rapidly. Chronic dry mouth may be caused by a disorder of the salivary glands and some medications.

TOBACCO

Obviously, the primary remedy for “ashtray mouth” caused by smoking tobacco products is to stop smoking.

INCREASED HORMONES

An increase in hormones boosts protein production in your saliva. Women are most susceptible to this condition for several days out of the month.

SYSTEMIC DISEASES

Bad breath may signal such serious medical disorders as diabetes; respiratory-tract infections; postnasal drip; hiatal hernias; chronic sinusitis or bronchitis; and liver or kidney ailments. Another cause may be such gastrointestinal disturbances as reflux, indigestion.

Our dentists may recommend you see your physician for a complete physical examination to rule out any possible medical condition.

LEARN MORE

Call South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry today or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry.