NPD Blog

Halitosis is the technical name for bad breath and is the third-most-frequent reason for going to the dentist, behind tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Throughout the day, the intensity of bad breath changes as a result of food eaten, obesity, digestive disorders,  one’s gum and bone health,  smoking, and alcohol consumption. Bad breath may come and go or it may be persistent.  Some bad breath disappears after eating, brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash.

Most people who visit the dentist as a result of bad breath do so because it is persistent or chronic. According to Dr. Ryne Johson of Newton Prosthodontics, halitosis can be a sign of a more serious condition.
 
Although bacteria normally collects on your tongue, gum and teeth and causes a bad odor,  people with healthy gums can remove this bacteria by brushing and scraping their tongue while brushing their teeth.  Bacteria build up in your gums between the teeth and if not removed at least once twice per day, an unpleasant odor can result. So floss daily and brush several times per day!

In people with compromised gums (bleeding is seen while brushing/flossing), this bacterial buildup can lead to bone loss.  It can also cause significant problems for diabetics, people with heart disease and has been linked to prostate cancer (see previous blog).

Regular dental visits - The dental hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque. Although brushing and flossing daily is recommended, a toothbrush and floss alone cannot reach deeply into areas that the dental hygienist can. Attend regular hygiene visits to stop periodontal disease from developing.
 
Tooth decay is also a form of disease. Bacteria cause the tooth to erode which releases a foul odor. Some decay can go untreated, so it is important to see a dentist for an  exam at least twice per year.
 
Mouthwash helps lower the level of bacteria that causes bad breath. To prevent drying out your mouth, use alcohol-free mouthwash. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol helps loosen soft depositing that may accumulate on your teeth after eating and in between brushing.  It has also shown to reduce the acidity that develops from bacterial activity.

Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Believe it or not, a dry mouth has more odor than a properly hydrated mouth. If you sense you have bad breath, drinking a glass of water can help in the short term.
 
To summarize, good oral health is no accident and dentists will joke that you only have to floss the teeth that you plan to keep.  Routine preventative maintenance can actually save one a lot of money and tooth loss.  If you have bad breath it may be as a result of insufficient oral hygiene or it may be indicative of a more severe issue.

Dr. Johnson is accepting new patients.  You may visit his website:  www.NewtonProsthodontics.com and remember, “See a specialist…the difference will make you smile”.