Halitosis

Bad breath…it's one of those things that people just don't talk about. And yet, if dentists can't talk about it with their patients, and vice versa, then who can? We want to talk to you about halitosis. Not only can it damage self-confidence and lead to social withdrawal and fear of intimacy, but it might be a sign of periodontal disease or an internal problem.

Causes of Halitosis.

The majority of halitosis cases are in the mouth itself. Teeth, gums and tongue can all be culprits. Postnasal drip can build up on the tongue dorsum, causing unpleasant odor. Strong mouthwash and/or direct, gentle brushing of the tongue itself can help alleviate this problem. You may have crowns that leak or gum disease that allows bacteria to grow and breed bad odors. As dental care professionals, we deal with these matters daily and are experts at finding the source of the odor.

Nose and sinus areas can be another cause. If nasal causes are suspected, a referral to an ENT specialist may be in order. Although many diseases can cause bad breath, these account for a small percentage of cases. Still, it is important to pinpoint the source in case there is a serious underlying condition.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have a problem with halitosis, please don't hesitate to talk to one of our staff so that an objective evaluation of the presence and quality of halitosis can be made. Don't be shy–call today to schedule a consultation.

Some Causes of Halitosis:

• Dental Decay
• Gum Disease
• Oral Infections
• Dry Mouth
• Oral Cancers
• Post-Nasal Drip
• Sinus Infection
• Lung Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes