Halitosis (Bad Breath ) Treatment Phoenix, AZ

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can affect many people without their knowledge.
Here are the symptoms and their treatments.

Have you ever been told by a friend or a family member that you have bad breath? Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and difficult to manage, especially since there are so many possible causes. Here are some of the most common causes of bad breath and which bad breath treatments in Phoenix might work well for you.

Dry Mouth

Saliva helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria, which is why its absence can cause exceptionally bad breath. In fact, dry mouth is the reason that most people experience bad breath in the morning. After people have gone all night without eating or drinking, their mouths are naturally parched and odors can abound. To combat dry mouth, try drinking more water each day and chewing sugar free gum, which has been shown to boost saliva production by up 10 times as much.

Food and Drinks

Certain foods or drinks have been shown to leave behind oils that can cause bad breath. For example, onions and garlic are potent enough to linger for days. Other examples of foods that can affect your breath include strong spices, curries, or foods that are high in sugar. Since sugar acts as a direct food source for oral bacteria, sugary foods can also promote oral decay, which can exacerbate bad breath.

Gum Disease

Studies have shown that nearly half of all Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, a progressive condition that causes bad breath, tooth loss, and even widespread systemic inflammation. About 80% of all bad breath can be tied back to problems with the teeth or gums, as bacteria create foul-smelling organic compounds as it thrives in the mouth.

If you have bad breath, make an appointment with Dr. Trujillo for a comprehensive periodontal exam. As a certified periodontist, Dr. Trujillo has received extensive additional training regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease.

Smoking

In addition to leaving behind a layer of sticky tar and other smelly chemicals, smoking can also inhibit your mouth’s ability to heal, which can spark infections that can cause bad breath. Smoking also reduces saliva production.

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Certain Health Problems

Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene or lifestyle habits aren’t the only things that can affect your breath. Certain health problems, such as liver disease, diabetes, respiratory tract infections, acid reflux, and bronchitis can cause bad breath. If you have bad breath for one of these reasons, visit your normal family doctor prior to your dental appointment. Getting widespread infections under control is crucial for protecting your health, in addition to addressing the underlying causes of your bad breath.

Medications

Certain medications have been shown to lead to xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth, and to cause bad breath. Antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, and pain medications are just a few of the medicines that could alter the way your breath smells. If you experience bad breath after taking one of these medications, talk with your doctor about alternative medications to soothe this side effect.

Oral Infections

Oral infections can also play a role in the development of bad breath. For example, if you experience a deeply rooted infection that develops into an oral abscess, you might experience foul-smelling breath. To address these kinds of oral infections, Dr. Trujillo may prescribe antibiotics and perform surgical procedures to address the underlying infection.

Periodontists: Oral Disease Specialists

For more information about preventing and controlling bad breath, make an appointment with the Arizona Periodontal Group today. As some of the best periodontists in Phoenix, our clinicians can help you to enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile.