When Bad Breath Becomes Chronic

Do you notice others backing away when you speak to them? Are your pockets always full of mints or gum? If your persistent bad breath is stealing your self-confidence, a trip to the dentist may be in order.

Bad breath isn’t always cause for concern, as it commonly presents itself when you wake up in the mornings or after enjoying salsa or garlic bread. However, foul breath odor that is chronic or returns quickly after brushing your teeth needs attention. Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, affects more than 80 million people. Unfortunately, this oral health condition can impact your personal relationships and even your career.

At the office of Dr. Tejal Kakade, we also recognize that chronic bad breath can be a warning sign that your oral health is compromised. Therefore, we never want patients to shy away from telling us about their bad breath problem.

Treatment for Persistent Bad Breath

Determining the culprit to your chronic bad breath is the first step towards effective treatment. Our dentists consider a number of possible causes for halitosis, which could range from a specific medication or health condition to poor oral hygiene or gum disease. Addressing the source of your bad breath instead of masking it with mints or gum is a more effective and more sustainable solution.

For many patients, bad breath can be cured by simply improving brushing and flossing habits.  When food particles and bacteria are not removed after meals, they eventually form a sulfur compound that produces a foul and repulsive odor. Tongue brushing is especially beneficial, as millions of bacteria live on the surfaces of your tongue.

If indicated, we can provide a deep cleaning or periodontal disease treatment to treat halitosis that is originating from an infection within your gum tissues. It is not uncommon to see patients struggle with dry mouth and bad breath at the same time, and this can be a result of a certain medication that they are taking. We need adequate saliva in our mouths to rinse away foul-smelling bacteria as well as neutralize harmful acids on our teeth, gums and tongue. If you can’t change your medication, we can work with you to recommend a special mouth rinse or other treatment for dry mouth.

Regardless of what is causing your bad breath or how severe your problem is, you should know that your Carrollton dentist can provide lasting relief. Stinky breath should never accompany a confident and healthy smile.