The brightest and whitest smile in the world will not get you anywhere when coupled with bad breath. In many cases, bad breath is related to the way you take care of your teeth. Chronic bad breath however, also known as halitosis, may have other underlying causes that should be diagnosed and treated by Dr. White.
What causes Bad Breath?
There are a surprising number of factors that can lead to bad breath, not just the particular meal you last ate. Here are a few reasons:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Periodontitis
- Certain medical condition
Approximately 90 percent of bad breath comes from anabolic bacteria that are allowed to grow in your mouth. The other 10 percent is related to other problems like, stomach gasses, an underlying medical condition, or drug use.
How is Bad Breath prevented?
Brushing your teeth after each meal is a good way to limit halitosis. By establishing good brushing habits, you eliminate the conditions necessary for the anabolic bacteria to grow. Some other helpful solutions are:
- Brushing tongue
- Mouthwash
- Flossing
- Avoiding certain foods
- Limit coffee intake
How can Bad Breath be treated?
Persistent halitosis that does not go away with regular brushing, may point to other problems that can be treated by Dr. White. He will conduct a thorough dental exam and ask about your medical history.
If you suffer from periodontal disease, there may be more areas in your mouth where the bacteria that cause bad breath can grow. By correcting the underlying problems that harbor halitosis emitters, Dr. White can help alleviate this annoying condition.
Does the treatment hurt at all?
The treatment is a non-invasive procedure and usually does not require any anesthesia or involve any discomfort.
How long does the office treatment take?
Depending on your specific situation, the treatment may take 2 - 4 office visits. After treatment, we will provide you a preventative maintenance schedule to prevent further problems. If you follow the regimen, your halitosis should not return.
What if the halitosis is caused by a medical condition?
Should Dr. White determine that the cause of your halitosis is not related to a dental problem, he may refer you to a medical doctor for further evaluation.
To get more answers to your questions about bad breath treatments, please contact Tulsa, Oklahoma cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steven V. White. He will gladly conduct an initial consultation to go over your treatment options.
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