Dealing with bad breath, or what dentists call halitosis, can feel a bit embarrassing. It’s the feeling you have while talking to someone, and you’re worried that what is coming out of your mouth smells bad. The good news is, you’re not alone, and there are several ways to fix it, and if you want help, get halitosis treatment in Chula Vista; it can help you solve the problem. Let us discuss the causes and how you can eliminate them for good.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Halitosis can be caused by several factors. The general cause is bacteria inside the mouth. These bacteria emit sulfur compounds that make an unpleasant smell. Some common causes of bad breath or unpleasant smell include
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Tooth decay
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Certain foods like garlic, onions, and spices
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Medical conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or sinus infections
Understanding the cause is important. Visiting a dentist in Chula Vista is the next step to help find the appropriate treatment depending on the cause of of bad breath!
What is the Best Treatment for Halitosis?
The very best treatment for halitosis starts with keeping your mouth super clean. This means brushing and flossing every day.
- Brush Your Teeth and Tongue: You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes every time. Make sure to brush all areas of your teeth: the front, back, top, and bottom. Most importantly, your tongue deserves some love! It is the place where many of those smelly bacteria hang out, and a gentle brush really makes a difference. Alternatively, you can use a tongue scraper for this work as well.
- Floss Every Day: While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing cleans the areas between your teeth that are unreachable by the toothbrush. It helps remove food bits and bacteria before they can become smelly.
- Use Mouthwash: You can use an antibacterial mouthwash following brushing and flossing. In addition to leaving your mouth feeling particularly clean and fresh, mouthwash helps wash away any leftover bacteria. Just be sure to use the mouthwash that your dentist has prescribed.
Home Remedies for Halitosis
If you are at home and need an immediate solution, there are a few basic things you can do.
- Drink more water: A dry mouth can cause bad breath. Drinking water throughout the day will help wash away food and bacteria.
- Chew unsweetened gum: Chewing gum increases salivation in your mouth, the natural cleaning agent of your mouth.
- Crunch a carrot or apple: You are scraping off plaque and food bits from the mouth.
Diet Tips for Preventing Halitosis
Your diet also affects your breath. Following diet tips for preventing halitosis can make a big difference. Some tips include
| Food or Drink | Benefit for Breath |
| Water | Keeps the mouth hydrated and washes away bacteria |
| Fruits and vegetables | High in fiber, it helps clean teeth naturally |
| Yogurt | Contains probiotics, reduces bad bacteria |
| Green tea | Reduces bacteria and freshens breath |
| Avoid sugary foods | Sugar feeds bacteria that cause bad breath |
| Avoid strong-smelling foods | Garlic, onions, and certain spices can worsen halitosis |
Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help maintain fresh breath.
| Cause of Halitosis | How to Help |
| Bacteria in the mouth | Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash |
| Dry mouth | Drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum |
| Foods like garlic and onion | Eating parsley or mint, brushing your teeth |
| Not cleaning your tongue | Using a toothbrush or tongue scraper on your tongue |
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath
Besides a good cleaning routine, some natural things can help.
- Parsley: Chewing a sprig of fresh parsley can help a lot because it contains something called chlorophyll, which helps increase your breath’s freshness.
- Mint: Just like parsley, chewing on a fresh mint leaf can give you a power blast of freshness.
- Fennel seeds: They are eaten after meals in some places in the world because they aren’t just tasty but also have some digestive help to further your freshness.
- Coconut oil and oil pulling: Swishing fresh coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes will help remove bacteria from your mouth.
When to See a Dentist
Aside from a good cleaning routine at home, sometimes an individual requires a little assistance. If you’ve been brushing, flossing, and trying these tips, but your bad breath just won’t go away, it’s a sign that you should see a dentist.
The dentist can examine the teeth and gums for potential problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, which could be common causes of bad breath. The dentist can also provide a professional cleaning to help remove plaque and tartar that you may be unable with daily brushing.
A dentist near you is your partner in keeping your mouth healthy. They can help you figure out the exact cause of your bad breath and give you a special treatment plan to fix it.
Say Goodbye to Bad Breath with Halitosis Treatment!
At Sam J Halabo DMD & Associates, our team provides professional halitosis treatment to help patients enjoy fresh breath every day. Our aim is to check your teeth, gums, and tongue in order to find out what is causing your bad breath. Our treatments are safe and efficient in eliminating halitosis, as well as preventing its return.
Book your appointment today to start on your path to a healthier, fresher smile!