Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can be downright embarrassing. Mints and mouthwashes don’t seem to help, which can really take a toll on your confidence.
While it can seem like a cosmetic issue, halitosis can really be a sign of a larger health problem.
The dental professionals at Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY can help you determine what’s causing your halitosis and in many cases address the root of the problem.
If you’re ready to return to more pleasant breath, schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations. Here are some of the things that may be causing your halitosis, as well as ways we can help.
1. Cavities
Cavities are holes in the teeth that result from lingering plaque and tooth decay. They’re prime real estate for bacteria buildup, which can cause bad breath. If you’re experiencing halitosis, or if you get a toothache when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it is time to see the dentist.
At Beaumont Family Dentistry, we offer tooth-colored fillings as a fix for cavities, as well as in-house procedures like root canal therapy if extensive damage to the root of the tooth has occurred. After your tooth is repaired, we can treat your teeth with sealants and fluoride varnishes to prevent future cavities. We also use the latest in cavity detection technology to catch problems early on.
Schedule an appointment with us if you think a cavity might be causing you bad breath and discomfort.
2. Gum Disease
When bacteria lingers on the gums, it causes an infection to the tissue and bones surrounding your teeth.
In more serious cases of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gumline can actually recede, causing gaps or “pockets” between your teeth and gumline.
Much like cavities, these pockets leave you vulnerable to bacteria buildup that can cause halitosis. It’s even worse if you’re experiencing severe recession that leaves the roots of your teeth exposed.
Procedures that restore your gumline will repair recession and drastically improve your overall oral health — including the effects of chronic bad breath.
At Beaumont Family Dentistry, we repair gumline recession using the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. It’s a revolutionary procedure that unlike grafting requires no sutures or scalpels.
Here’s how it works: We’ll create tiny holes in the affected area, and using special tools, we’ll gently reposition the gums so they’ll better protect your teeth. It’s a quick procedure with minimal recovery time. We find that patients can generally resume their normal activities within a day or two.
If you notice “pockets” between your teeth and gums, give us a call to see if the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique could improve your oral health. Even if you’re only experiencing the early signs of recession — an elongated look to teeth or increased sensitivity — schedule an appointment to prevent future recession.
3. Dry Mouth
Saliva helps break down food, removes food particles and prevents buildup of bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
So, if you’re not properly producing saliva — which can be caused by medications, medical conditions or certain substances like alcohol and tobacco — halitosis can result.
Because dry mouth is often tied to a medical condition, like diabetes, it’s best to consult with your doctor about ways you can combat dry mouth. However, we might be able to recommend certain fluoride toothpastes or rinses that can help.
Regular visits to the dentists can also alleviate some of the problems that contribute to dry mouth. We’d be happy to help.
4. Tobacco Use
Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and tobacco use, often contribute to chronic bad breath.
While cigarettes and other tobacco products often leave an odor in your mouth, they also take a toll on your overall oral health. Smokers are susceptible to dry mouth and gum disease, which put them at increased risk for all sorts of problems.
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, consider cessation, and also make sure you’re regularly visiting the dentist for exams and cleanings.
Beaumont Family Dentistry offers comprehensive dentistry — prevention as well as solutions to dental complications — at our three Lexington locations: Beaumont Centre Circle, Leestown and Hamburg.
5. Other health problems
Unfortunately, halitosis can be a sign of a more serious health problem, like diabetes, liver or kidney disease. These are issues that will need to be addressed by your medical care provider, but Beaumont Family Dentistry can help you rule out any dental drivers of halitosis.
Let’s work together toward fresher breath and better oral health. Schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable team today.