Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a common ailment. More than 80 million people suffer from bad breath, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Gum disease, even mild cases of gingivitis
- Smoking
- Dry mouth, which is often caused by medications
- Food debris, which can get stuck between your teeth
- Diseases, such as diabetes or sinus infections
Luckily for many people, bad breath can be cleared up by treating the common underlying cause – poor oral hygiene. You may be able to remedy your bad breath by visiting your dentist for evaluation and treatment of gum disease. You can also help eliminate bad breath by sticking to a routine of brushing your teeth after every meal and before bed to keep bacteria from sticking around too long in plaque buildup. Flossing your teeth also helps remove plaque and can not only freshen your breath, but also make your smile look brighter. Of course for smokers, quitting smoking will go a long way toward improving your breath and your oral health.
For some patients, bad breath is a more complicated issue. It can be related to certain medical conditions or medications you are taking.
The best way to understand the cause of your bad breath and find the best solution is to speak with your doctor and dentist about your concerns.
To schedule your next dental checkup, call Wood Creek Dental today at our Greenville office at 864-288-5300 or our Landrum office at 864-457-3425.
We serve patients throughout Greenville, Landrum, Simpsonville, and the entire Upstate South Carolina area.
