November 25, 2013

The Good News About Bad Breath

 

Everybody worries about their breath from time to time – like after a meal filled with plenty of onions and garlic. 

 

For some people, though, the worry never goes away.

 

They buy mouthwash by the gallon and pop breath mints by the handful, but they still worry that their breath is bad. And they’re still afraid to get close to people – even the ones they love most.

 

Help is on the Way

If that sounds like you (or someone you care about), there are some things you should know.

 

For starters, you need to understand you’re not alone. In fact, experts estimate a full 25% of Americans1 experience severe bad breath every single day.

 

Second, you need to know your bad breath isn’t a mystery. Today’s dentists know exactly what’s causing it.

 

Finally, you need to hear the good news that help is on the way – in the form of safe, smart strategies my staff and I can use to put an end to your worries and let you enjoy fresh breath for life.

 

The Truth About Bad Breath

Researchers have found that in just 10 percent of cases or less, bad breath is caused by an underlying medical condition like diabetes, reflux, sinusitis, certain kinds of cancer and liver or kidney failure2

 

Dry mouth, which can be caused by certain medications, can cause bad breath as well, because saliva helps keep your mouth clean. 

 

In an estimated 90 percent of cases3, though, bad breath originates in your mouth – where it’s easy for us to diagnose and treat.

 

Two Main Causes

The two primary causes of bad breath are dental hygiene that misses the places where odors can grow and periodontal (gum) disease.

 

You see, when food or plaque remains on or between teeth it attracts bacteria that produce bad smelling chemicals called Volatile Sulfa Compounds. These compounds include hydrogen sulfide – the chemical that makes rotten eggs smell so awful.

 

What’s more, food and plaque on teeth irritate your gums – leading to the gaps and pockets that are a primary sign of gum disease. These gaps and pockets then collect even more plaque and bacteria. 

 

Plus, your tongue (particularly if it has a rough surface) and your tonsils can also trap food and plaque and cause the same kind of problems.

 

Gentle, Effective Treatment

 

Fortunately all these problems are very treatable.

The first step is a thorough exam that includes a medical history, full mouth X-rays, examination of your tongue and tonsils, a gum exam and an oral cancer screening.

 

Then, if needed, we’ll begin phase one gum infection therapy and preliminary treatment of cavities. If your tonsils have collected food and plaque we’ll use a simple technique called irrigation to release it. And we’ll tell you everything you need to know to clean your mouth and tongue so effectively bad breath doesn’t have a chance to return.

 

Plus we’ll explain why ordinary mouthwashes can actually make the problem worse and introduce you to rinses that work far better – including one all natural, sugar-and-alcohol-free rinse that’s proven especially effective.

 

If that sounds good, just give us a call and let us help you enjoy fresh breath every day.

 

 


  1. ADA, Council on Scientific Affairs Report:  jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/134/1/209
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff Report:  mayoclinic.com/health/bad-breath/DS00025/DSECTION=causes
  3. ADA, Council on Scientific Affairs Report:  jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/134/1/209