Dentist - River Forest
7700 Madison Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 366-6760
(708) 366-6762 fax
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MY BLOG
Posts for tag: bad breath
Having someone tell you that you have bad breath can be humiliating, but it can also be a sign that you need to see your dentist. Bad breath (or halitosis) can be a sign of an underlying dental or health problem, so before you run out and stock up on breath mints, make an appointment with our office. Using breath fresheners will only disguise the problem and not treat the root cause.
It's important to remember that if you have bad breath, you're not alone — it's the third most common reason people seek a dental consult. We use a systematic approach to determine the cause of your halitosis and offer a solution.
Causes: Ninety percent of mouth odors come from mouth itself — either from the food you eat or bacteria that may be present. Most unpleasant odors originate from proteins trapped in the mouth that are processed by oral bacteria. When left on the tongue, these bacteria can cause an unpleasant smell. Dry mouth, sinus problems, diet and poor oral hygiene can also cause bad breath. In rare cases, a medical condition may be the cause.
Treatment: The best solution will depend on determining the real cause of your halitosis. If bad breath emanates from the mouth, it most commonly is caused by gum disease or even tooth decay, which need to be treated to correct the problem. If halitosis is of systemic (general body) origin, a more detailed examination might be needed from a physician. But the solution may also be as simple as demonstrating how to effectively remove bacterial plaque from your teeth, or offer instruction on proper tongue cleaning. If the cause is gum disease, we may suggest a deep cleaning and possible antibiotic therapy.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss any questions you may have regarding bad breath. Read more about this topic in the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bad Breath: More Than Just Embarrassing.”
Considering that over 90 million Americans suffer from chronic bad breath and everyone else has dealt with some form of it at one time or another, we want to address some common causes and cures so you are prepared if it happens to you.
What are the most common causes of bad breath?
Halitosis or bad breath most often occurs when you have poor oral hygiene and/or routinely consume odorous foods and drinks. In fact, 90% percent of mouth odors come from the food you eat or bacteria thatâs already there, according to the American Dental Association. Other causes for halitosis include:
- Excessive bacterial growth in the mouth and especially on the tongue
- Known and characteristically odor producing foods and drinks such as onions, garlic, coffee, tobacco and alcohol products
- Diabetes and diseases of the liver and kidneys
- A poorly hydrated body (and mouth) from not drinking enough water everyday
What should I do if I feel (or people tell me) I have chronic bad breath?
Contact us to schedule an appointment for a proper diagnosis and plan of action for returning your mouth to optimal health.
What are some tips I can do to prevent occasional bad breath?
In most cases, bad breath is totally preventable when you follow the tips below:
- Brush your teeth in the morning and at bedtime using a fluoride toothpaste and a proper (and gentle) brushing technique.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Clean your tongue after brushing your teeth with either a scraping tool you can purchase at a drug or discount store or by gently brushing it with your toothbrush.
- Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water during the day.
- Be prepared by having some mouth cleaning tools (floss, a toothbrush, toothpaste or some sugar free gum) handy to freshen your mouth after consuming bad smelling foods, drinks or using tobacco or alcohol.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to increase saliva production in your mouth and help remove food particles that can lodge between teeth.
- Maintain regular dental check-ups.
Want to learn more?
Contact us today to discuss your questions or to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more about halitosis by reading the Dear Doctor article, “Bad Breath — More than Just Embarrassing.”