Halitosis / Bad breath

Bad breath, clinically called halitosis, is socially embarrassing, but it may also be a sign of a serious dental issue. Store shelves beckon with the promise of bad breath treatments, but these are temporary, superficial fixes at best and won’t help you find the root of the problem. Your family dentist at Hutchinson Metro Dental in Bronx, NY knows how to get rid of bad breath by tackling the problem at its source and providing you with effective solutions that last.

While it’s OK to occasionally consume an onion- or garlic-laden dish that lingers on your breath, habitually eating these foods can contribute to ongoing bad breath. But health issues like poor dental habits typically are the source when halitosis is an ongoing issue. If you experience bad breath that’s unaffected by what you eat or drink, visit Dr. Victoria Kushensky in Bronx, NY for a checkup and teeth cleaning. While you’re there, ask him about a halitosis cure if you’re concerned.

Finding a Bad Breath Cure

If you suspect you have bad breath, find a caring, truthful friend or family member to help you confirm it. Sometimes, you can nip the condition in the bud with better daily oral health habits that help combat halitosis, such as:

• Brushing after every meal with toothpaste that promotes fresh breath
• Effectively brushing your tongue, where halitosis-causing bacteria reside
• Rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
• Flossing every day
• Drinking water instead of flavored beverages

When deciding how to stop your bad breath, Dr. Victoria Kushensky — your Bronx, NY family cosmetic and implant dentist — examines your teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks to check for any abnormalities. Sometimes, bad breath indicates decay or infection, even if you don’t feel any pain or other symptoms. A thorough exam includes a medical and dental history, during which other causes of bad breath may emerge.

The Causes of Halitosis

To get rid of bad breath, you first have to learn the cause of your halitosis. Dr. Victoria Kushensky may then be able to easily remedy your problem, or it may require more extensive treatment. Sometimes, it takes a trial-and-error approach while your Bronx, NY family dentist repairs obvious dental problems. Common causes that require a halitosis cure include:

• Poor dental habits. Oral neglect allows lingering food particles to remain in your mouth and breed bacteria. The bacteria buildup leads to plaque, which traps more food particles and fosters odors. Your gum tissue is a haven for bacteria as well, creating even more odor-causing concerns.
• Using tobacco products not only stains your teeth, but tobacco odors linger and permeate living tissue. Since smoking involves the lungs, this odor emanates from inside you. Tobacco users also fight more periodontal disease than non-smokers.
• Dry mouth. Normal saliva cleanses and freshens your breath. It’s not unusual to experience some dry mouth during sleep, but if you develop chronic dry mouth, you may have a condition called xerostomia. Diseases that affect your salivary glands or certain cardiovascular issues sometimes result in bad breath.
• An infection in your mouth, teeth, gum tissue or tonsils can cause halitosis symptoms initially. Mouth sores or wounds from surgery occasionally result in bad breath as well.
• Certain medications. Medications that affect your salivary glands or your esophagus, throat and lung tissue cause bad breath. Any alterations by medications, hormonal fluctuations or other physical changes can result in halitosis.
• Any kind of disease, whether chronic or acute, can alter your body’s chemistry. Cancers, reflux of stomach acid and metabolic conditions often create the need for bad breath treatment.

How to Stop Bad Breath

When changing your diet and practicing rigorous dental habits seem ineffective, it’s time to consult your family dentist for a solution. Dr. Victoria Kushensky in Bronx, NY may scrape the back of your tongue to determine potential sources. While he tackles any dental problems contributing to your halitosis, he may also suggest you adopt some at-home bad breath treatments, such as:

• Brushing after you eat
• Flossing at least once a day
• Cleaning your dentures or other dental appliances thoroughly and often
• Brushing your tongue
• Adjusting your diet to eliminate certain foods
• Buying a new toothbrush every three to four months
• Maintaining regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
• Considering increasing your dental visits to three or four times a year

Contact Hutchinson Metro Dental to ask Dr. Kushensky how to get rid of bad breath. You may not think of it at first, but your Bronx, NY dentist has the best tools and techniques for finally solving your halitosis problems.