Bad Breath Treatments Specialist

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. While everyone experiences occasional bad breath upon first waking in the morning or after eating particular foods, for some people, halitosis is a daily problem.

It’s difficult to assess the smell of your own breath, which can make it hard to know if there’s a problem. Feedback from loved ones is sometimes the best indicator of whether there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Numerous factors can cause or contribute to bad breath. Poor dental hygiene is one of the biggest factors. If food particles are left trapped between your teeth, they will begin to decompose in your mouth, creating bad odors as you breathe. 

Plaque can also cause bad breath. The bacteria within plaque create odors that are carried on your breath. If plaque collects in pockets beneath your gum line, the problem can become even worse.

Additional causes of bad breath include:

• Dry mouth
• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Certain medications
• Mouth infections
• Postnasal drip
• Metabolic disorders
• Certain cancers
• Gastroesophageal reflux

For many people, several factors are to blame for bad breath. Learning the source of the malodor is the starting point for correcting the issue. 

How can I improve my breath?

The best place to begin with bad breath treatments is with a thorough assessment of your dental hygiene. In many cases, improving your brushing and flossing habits is enough to resolve minor bad breath issues. 

In addition to brushing your teeth, try brushing your tongue to remove bacteria. A tongue scraper can also help and is easier for many people to tolerate than using a toothbrush on the back portion of the tongue.  

If you wear a bridge or dentures, be sure to clean those devices thoroughly each day. While bridgework and dentures cannot decay, they can become covered with bacteria that can produce bad odors. 

Dr. Alexander offers the BreathRXⓇ system, a professional-strength breath care solution that kills up to 99% of the bacteria that create bad breath. The solution is alcohol-free and kills bad breath at the source instead of just masking the odor. Combined with a tongue scraper or the Philips AirFlossⓇ tool, BreathRX delivers outstanding results.   

If you’d like more information about bad breath treatments, call the office to book a visit. Online scheduling is also an option and is fast and easy.