Halitosis can be embarrassing, but patients should understand that it can also be a symptom of a greater health concern. For this reason, it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified dental professional if your halitosis persists. The dentists at Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates understand the various causes for halitosis and can develop an effective treatment plan for you.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis is commonly called “bad breath.” It is a symptom of a variety of health conditions, foods, or habits that result in odor from the mouth. Some simple habits, such as improving oral hygiene by flossing and brushing your teeth regularly, can resolve halitosis. However, more persistent halitosis should be reviewed by a qualified dentist, who can recommend a suitable treatment.
How can Halitosis Be Treated?
Halitosis can be treated through the use of simple, at-home treatments and lifestyle changes. Your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse or specialized, antibacterial toothpaste, for example. They may also recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal, adjusting your diet, flossing more frequently, or carefully brushing your tongue.
Halitosis may be caused by various dental diseases as well. Patients with gum disease may experience halitosis due to pockets between the gums and teeth which can harbor odor-causing bacteria, for example. Treatments for gum disease or professional cleanings can relieve halitosis in these cases. Similarly, faulty tooth restorations can lead to bacteria. In these cases, replacing the restoration and professionally cleaning the teeth and gums may improve halitosis.
Because there are so many causes of halitosis, be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including what your dental hygiene routine is like, what your eating habits are, whether you breathe through your mouth or have sinus issues, and what health conditions you have. These will help your dentist determine the cause of your halitosis and a suitable treatment.
Who Should Seek Halitosis Treatment?
Patients who have persistent halitosis which is not remedied by simply improving their at-home dental hygiene routine should seek treatment from a qualified dentist. Halitosis may be a symptom of a greater health concern, so it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dentist to maintain your health.
Schedule an Appointment
To seek treatment from a dentist for your halitosis, schedule an appointment with Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS by calling our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600. You may also request an appointment online.
