There are few situations that can be a greater source of embarrassment than a case of bad breath. Likewise, there is no quicker way to ruin an intimate moment or put an end to a close conversation than a whiff of foul odor coming from the other’s mouth. While most patients have experienced the occasional case of bad breath after eating a dish especially heavy in onions or garlic, some are plagued by consistently bad breath. Patients who experience bad breath frequently (also referred to as halitosis) may need to pay special attention to their oral health care habits. At At Jason L. Downey, DDS Dentistry, we’sLas Vegas cosmetic dentistry practice, the dentists offer professional advice on how to prevent bad breath. For those Las Vegas patients who need a little more help, bad breath treatment is also available.
As with most dental problems, the first goal in dealing with bad breath is to prevent it from occurring to begin with. When patients come to Jason L. Downey, DDS Dentistry complaining of bad breath, the dentists will first take a conservative approach to the situation and offer advice on the best ways to prevent bad breath. Some of the best steps that can be taken in order to prevent bad breath include:
- Brushing teeth at least twice a day, but preferably after each meal
- Flossing at least once a day
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Rinsing the mouth with water after each meal, especially when brushing is not possible
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Rinsing with mouth wash
- Avoiding foods that are especially fragrant
- Avoid smoking and the use of any other tobacco products
For many patients, a strict adherence to these practices can help prevent most cases of bad breath.
If the above habits seems to do nothing more than temporarily mask bad breath, than a patient likely has an underlying condition that is causing halitosis. These patients will need additional treatment in order to eliminate bad breath. Some common causes of halitosis include dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, the use of certain medications, and some medical conditions. Depending on the source of halitosis, We may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Use mouthwash, gum, or other products formulated to combat dry mouth.
- Maintain a schedule of at least bi-annual dental exams and cleanings. For some patients inLas Vegas, restorative dentistry treatments may be required to eliminate tooth decay or gum disease and restore the mouth to a clean, healthy state.
- See a doctor in order to rule out any medical conditions and/or discuss changes in the use of medication.
Schedule an Appointment
Patients who are frequently troubled by bad breath canschedule an appointment at Jason L. Downey, DDS Dentistry. We can help patients determine the source of bad breath so that it can be effectively treated and prevented in the future. Often times this is as simple as restoring the mouth to a clean and healthy state.