Do you struggle with chronic halitosis? Here’s what you need to know
Bad breath that normal brushing can’t fix can signal chronic halitosis. Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and tobacco use can create a funky mouth odor. Medical or dental intervention, from throat evaluations to prescribing therapeutic mouthwash, can help.
The CDC reports that 4 in 10 American adults 30 years or older had some level of periodontitis between 2009-2014. Occasional bad breath isn’t anything to be ashamed of, but people should understand and address underlying medical reasons, from dry mouth to throat issues, to fix this chronic concern.
How Does Regular Bad Breath and Chronic Halitosis Differ?
The main differences are the persistence of the problem and the underlying cause. While bad breath usually originates in the mouth itself, having chronic halitosis may have a deeper medical or dental reason, such as gum disease.
Bad breath can come and go, especially after you brush your teeth in the morning, floss, or change the food you eat. For example, garlic is known for lingering on the breath.
However, chronic halitosis can persist despite normal oral hygiene. It may require an expert diagnosis and treatment to solve the problem.
What Are Common Causes?
Dry mouth issues are directly connected to bad breath, as it can reduce saliva, which results in more plaque activity, cavities, and infections. The back of your tongue can also trap bacteria and debris that consistently produce foul-smelling compounds.
Even if you brush your teeth daily, doing a poor job and not flossing can leave behind food particles and bacterial plaque that produce odor.
Persistent bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease, like periodontitis and gingivitis.
Is Treatment Available?
See your dentist in Lexington, MA, for a consultation on plaque buildup prevention and examinations to check for other issues like:
- Cavities
- Infections
- Signs of gum disease
Your dentist can perform professional deep cleaning treatments. Follow their advice on better hygiene practices, like using sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva when dealing with dry mouth.
Avoiding tobacco and too much alcohol can also help.
Dentists may prescribe therapeutic mouthwash that can kill odor-producing bacteria. You may be able to get some over-the-counter. This oral hygiene aid is more powerful than a cosmetic mouthwash that masks the problem.
However, you may need further medical consultation to check for sinus and throat problems that may be the culprit. By staying on top of your routine dental checkups, your primary dentist can check for issues and intervene before they worsen.
Get Fresh Breath with Some Help
Chronic halitosis can be a source of embarrassment that can affect how you socialize or feel comfortable at work. You don’t have to live with the problem, as you can improve your oral hygiene habits. Seek dental treatments that may fix underlying issues, from dental infections to gum disease.
You may have an underlying medical condition that a doctor can help you with. With lifestyle adjustments and regular dental appointments, you’ll be able to say you only have morning breath instead of a lingering chronic problem.
Learn more about better health and Wellness by checking out other articles on our website.
