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| Services -
Cosmetic Dentistry: Bad Breath |
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| Whether you call it bad breath or
halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause
for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath
aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re
concerned about bad breath, see Dr. Vahe Antanesian.
He can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to
an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help
eliminate it. |
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| What you eat affects the air you
exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions,
contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the
food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is
transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled.
Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the
odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body
eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant
breath from infrequent eating. |
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| If you don't brush and floss
daily, particles of food remain in the mouth,
collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue
and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant
odor. |
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| Bad breath can also be caused by
dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow
of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse
the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor.
Dry mouth may be caused by various medications,
salivary gland problems or continuously breathing
through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth,
your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or
suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your
fluid intake. |
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| Tobacco products cause bad
breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for
tips on kicking the habit. |
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| Bad breath may be the sign of a
medical disorder, such as a local infection in the
respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal
drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal
disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your
dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you
may be referred to your family doctor or a
specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. |
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| Maintaining good oral health is
essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular
dental visits for a professional cleaning and
checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath,
keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of
medications you take. Some medications may play a
role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know
if you've had any surgery or illness since your last
appointment. |
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| Brush twice a day with fluoride
toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush
your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an
inter-dental cleaner to clean between teeth. |
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| Mouthwashes are generally
cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on
bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath
freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your
dentist. If you need extra help in controlling
plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special
antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse,
used along with brushing and flossing, can help
prevent tooth decay. |
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