Billboards and magazines are full of adds for mints, chewing gums, and mouthwashes, all claiming to stop bad breath. But all these solutions are only masking it, we want to help you learn about the root causes of bad breath and how you can prevent it.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is created by a build up of toxin producing bacteria in the mouth. The common reasons for it are:
- Oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing irregularly or ineffectively can lead to trapped food particles promoting the growth of bacteria. In the general examination at Tooronga Family dentistry , we examine the efficiency of brushing and flossing and demonstrate how to make it better.
- Gum disease: Bad breath that persists after brushing and flossing may be due to gum disease. Plaque and bacteria cause gum disease leading to bone loss and deep pockets. These crevices in the gum, provide a safe-heaven for your bacteria, and even good brushing and flossing will reach them. You will need to see Dr. Kaufman Daniel to have the gum disease treated , since without treatment it can lead to more serious problems, such as diabetes, stroke , cancer and tooth loss.
- Dry mouth: Once the saliva production decreases, bacteria can grow quickly and cause bad breath. By encouraging saliva secretion and replacement therapy the bad breath will subside.
- Cavities: When a tooth has cavity, the bacteria present inside can also produce a bad odor. Even a tiny amount of dental decay can produce a very bad smell. The treatment for decay is composite restorations.
- Dentures: The same bacteria that grow on natural teeth can also grow on dentures. At times the acrylic, the material dentures are made of, allows bacteria to establish themselves more easily than on the natural teeth. It is important to clean dentures, regularly and thoroughly.
If you have bad breath, it’s important to call 98227006 to make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman Daniel right away, to check the reason for it.