Let’s start addressing the word “Halitosis”, what is Halitosis? Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be embarrassing and impact your social and professional interactions. Teeth cleaning, such as regular dental hygiene visits, regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent and reduce halitosis. But it may not be the only factor at play. Halitosis can have various causes, and addressing the underlying issues may be necessary for effective long term management. 

Here are some factors to consider:

Oral Hygiene and Tongue cleaning

Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily can remove food particles, bacteria and plaque that contribute to foul smelling breath.

The tongue can harbor bacteria and debris that lead to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or brushing your tongue can help reduce this source of halitosis. 

Dental Check-ups, teeth cleanings and Diet for Halitosis

Regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings by a dentist and dental hygienist can remove tartar and plaque buildup that may contribute to bad breath. Along with, active untreated cavities can also lead to halitosis.

What you eat can affect your breath. Certain foods like onion, garlic and spices can lead to temporary bad breath. Maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent this. Additionally, alcohol consumption also plays a big part in bad breath, it dries out the mouth, and causes bacteria to flourish. 

Dry Mouth Halitosis

A dry mouth can contribute to bad breath because saliva helps clean the mouth. Stay hydrated and consider using sugar free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production if you have dry mouth. 

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking and the use of tobacco products can cause halitosis. Quitting or reducing tobacco use can improve breath odour.

Underlying Medical Conditions 

Chronic bad breath can sometimes be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as gum disease, respiratory infections, sinusitis, or digestive disorders. Treating these conditions may be necessary to address halitosis. 

Medications

Some medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, leading to bad breath. If this is the case consult with your healthcare provider for alternative medication or strategies to manage the issue. If this is not possible, sip more water throughout the day and use salivary producing products such as Biotene. 

In summary, teeth cleaning and good oral hygiene are essential for preventing bad breath, other factors, such as diet, medical conditions, and medications, can also contribute to halitosis. If you are concerned about persistent bad breath, it’s a good idea to consult with a dental professional or healthcare provider to identify and address the underlying causes.