The role of oral hygiene in halitosis prevention
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Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem and social interactions. While poor oral hygiene is often the main culprit of bad breath, there are other surprising causes that people may not be aware of.
Radiation therapy patients with cancers of the head and neck often complain of lost smell and taste. These senses can also be lost in the course of some diseases of the nervous system.
Saliva helps to control the levels of bacteria in your mouth. When your body doesn’t produce enough saliva, odor-causing bacteria can thrive.
Regular dental visits will also help you detect and treat other issues that can lead to bad breath, such as dry mouth, gum and bone disease, or other oral infections, quickly. Klement Family Dental in St. Petersburg, FL, offers convenient appointment times and payment options to help patients fit dental care and treatment into their busy schedules. If you’re concerned about bad breath or another dental issue, contact us today to for an appointment time that works with your schedule. Advances in Dental ImplantsGum Problem Basics: Sore, Swollen and Bleeding Gums
If you’re using a cotton swab, gently put pressure on your tonsil around the stone, like you’re popping a pimple.
When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
These foods and drinks can also affect the pH balance in the mouth, creating an environment that is favorable for bacteria growth. Additionally, they can cause dehydration, which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of bad breath.
Managing the psychological effects of halitosis involves addressing both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful in managing feelings of self-consciousness and building self-confidence. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene and seeking treatment for underlying causes of bad breath can help alleviate the physical symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Your dentist or periodontist may tell you to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. You may also be told to brush your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth. This will help remove odor-causing bacteria.
Sometimes certain medications are the cause of smell or taste disorders, and improvement occurs when that medicine is stopped or changed. Although certain medications can cause chemosensory problems, others particularly anti-allergy drugs seem to improve the senses of taste and smell. Some patients, notably those with serious respiratory infections or seasonal allergies, regain their smell or taste simply by waiting for their illness to run its course. In many cases, nasal obstructions, such as polyps, can be removed to restore airflow to the receptor area and can correct the loss of smell and taste. Occasionally, chemosenses return to normal just as spontaneously as they disappeared. Quick Links News Physician Portal CME Calendar Online Orientation Careers Take Charge of Your Health Publications Pay Your Bill Vendors Foundation - Ways to Give Residency ValleyWay MyChart Institutional Review Board Practices Primary Care Offices Specialists Care Offices Walk-in Care Services Urology Cancer Heart & Vascular Women & Children Neuroscience Orthopedics Bariatric Weight Loss Program Physical Rehabilitation Other Services Patients & Visitors A Message From the Joint Commission Notice of Privacy Practices Patient Rights & Responsibilities Community Education Programs Advance Directives Support Groups Locations Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital Rehabilitation Center Behavioral Health Care Bladen County Hospital Hoke Hospital
Some essential oils such as lemongrass, myrrh, cinnamon, and tea tree oil contain anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that make them excellent for preventing and treating tonsil stones.
Conclusion: Maintaining Fresh Breath for Optimal Health
If not corrected, poor oral hygiene can cause other oral problems such as cavities and gum disease. Visit Scott Edwards DDS to learn how to take excellent care of your teeth and mouth and prevent future problems.
Flossing is another essential step in maintaining fresh breath. It helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, medication, or aging. Once you’ve identified dry mouth, we can look for the cause and try to find a solution.