A job interview, a date, and lunch with your friends have one thing in common: they can all be ruined by bad breath! Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can be a source of anxiety that ruins your whole day. Luckily, our doctors at Metropolitan Dental Care know how to keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy.

If you suffer from halitosis, you’re not the only one. While embarrassing, halitosis is very common. In fact, 50% of adults have had bad breath at some point in their lives. You may be in need of a lifestyle change, or there could be a more serious medical problem at fault. 

Breath mints and mouthwash are only a temporary fix, and neither addresses the root cause of the problem. For a permanent solution, visit Metro Dental care to learn more about bad breath treatment options that work.

Bad Breath Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms of halitosis are straightforward: foul-smelling breath. However, the type and strength of the odor may vary depending on the cause. Causes of halitosis may include problems like:

  • Diet. Certain foods can cause or worsen chronic halitosis. Onions, garlic, cheese, and soda are just a few examples of different foods that may affect the smell of your breath.
  • Poor Dental Hygiene. Brushing and flossing remove food particles that are stuck in between your teeth and eliminate bacteria on your tongue. Failure to regularly care for your teeth can cause your breath to stink. It’s also important to clean dental appliances like dentures and retainers just as consistently as you would your natural teeth.
  • Dry Mouth. Saliva is an important part of the cleansing system in your mouth. Without saliva, bacteria and food particles can remain stuck in your teeth. Dry mouth often occurs naturally at night, causing “morning breath,” but chronic dry mouth could indicate a problem with your salivary glands. Certain medications may also cause dry mouth as a side effect.
  • Infections. An infected wisdom tooth, an abscess, tooth decay, or gum disease could all be the source of your halitosis. If you have other symptoms of infection besides bad breath like a fever, tooth sensitivity or pain, pus, or swelling, visit the dentist immediately.
  • Tobacco Products. Smoking, chewing, or otherwise consuming tobacco products could be the source of your bad breath, and can cause other dental and physical health problems.
  • Disease or Illness. Common diseases that may cause halitosis include allergies, respiratory infections, diabetes, GERD, chronic lung infection, and several others. 

If you are unsure of the cause of your bad breath, schedule a dentist appointment. We will determine if the problem is with your oral health or if you need to see a medical doctor.

How can I prevent bad breath?

Preventing bad breath may be as simple as a lifestyle change. Cutting out tobacco products, paying close attention to your diet, and maintaining your oral hygiene routine can all take your breath from foul to fresh. You can also make sure to:

  • Clean your dental appliances
  • Stay hydrated
  • Snack on fruits and vegetables
  • Buy a tongue scraper

Regular visits to the dentist are a huge part of not just keeping your breath smelling nice, but keeping your smile healthy overall. Dental visits protect your teeth by detecting cavities early, thoroughly cleaning your teeth, and even checking for signs of oral cancer.

Halitosis Treatment in Denver

Is your bad breath making you feel uncomfortable in public? At Metropolitan Dental Care, our knowledgeable staff can find a treatment plan that’s right for you. To learn more about treatment options for halitosis, contact our team online or call 303-534-2626 to fix your breath today!