No one wants to suffer with bad breath, but it’s bound to happen from time to time. More worrisome, however, is malodorous breath that lingers. That’s what our Elmhurst dentists are going to be talking about today. Keep reading to get the facts…
Types of Malodorous Breath
Generally speaking, you don’t have to worry about too much about temporary bad breath that is connected to drinks or foods (like onions, garlic, and meat). This type of bad breath should dissipate promptly as the substance makes its way through your system. You do, however, need to be concerned about bad breath that seems chronic and especially hard to treat. This type of malodorous breath is caused by harmful oral bacteria in plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease.
Short-term Relief
There are a few things that you can do right away to neutralize bad breath. Try rinsing your mouth with water or salt water to clear away odor-causing dental debris. And make sure that you are staying hydrated, as adequate saliva is crucial to maintaining fresh breath. Additionally, there are a number of mints and gums on the market that make unpleasant odors. One thing to keep in mind: it’s best to use sugar-free options, as sugary mints and gum can actually increase bacteria-fueled bad breath.
Long-term Treatments
In order to achieve fresh breath that lasts, we have to combine breath-freshening tactics with restorative dental care. This means treating existing cavities as well as gum disease—the bacteria causing these infections also causes halitosis. We’ll also prioritize minimizing dry mouth, as this condition allows bacteria to flourish.
If you are experiencing bad breath more frequently than you’d like, our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you find relief. Please reach out to our team by phone or through our Contact Us page to get started!