Oh No…It’s Halitosis! How to Get Rid of Bad Breath with the Right Treatment

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bad-breath-squareIf you’ve ever had a friend or family member slip you a breath mint at a dinner party, they’re basically telling you (in a nice way) that your breath is a little funky.

Now, in many cases it’s due to the food you may have just eaten, which is no big deal and can be cleared up with a simple brushing and flossing. However, if you’re one of the millions of people who experience chronic bad breath, you may have a condition known as halitosis.

While that word may sound a little scary, it really isn’t. Bad breath is actually a common problem that has many causes, each of which can either be eliminated completely or at least managed effectively.

So, if you’re tired of living your life afraid to strike up a conversation for fear of bad breath, this article is for you. As a side note, if you happen to live in or around the Babylon, NY area, our dental office provides professional halitosis treatment and can also help you put together a daily game plan for fighting bad breath.


Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria…so neutralize it

Every human being has a seemingly infinite number of bacteria floating around their oral region, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. As this bacteria collects between teeth, under your tongue, and in every nook and cranny, it can cause bad breath that is difficult to control.

The solution, of course, is quite simple— you need a toothbrush, a tongue scraper, and dental floss. By brushing your teeth thoroughly 2-3 times per day, using a tongue scraper at least once per day, and flossing every day, you’ll take a giant leap forward in the fight against bacteria.

Of course, it’s also important to see a dentist for a cleaning at least every 6 months. If you’re in the West Babylon or Patchogue area and you’re looking for a new dentist (or you just haven’t been to a dentist in a while…it happens…we don’t judge), then we encourage you to call us and schedule your appointment.


How a “healthy” diet can cause bad breath

It’s pretty obvious that eating a bunch of sugary, processed foods and not taking care of your oral health can lead to a variety of issues including bad breath, but did you know that following a so-called “healthy diet” can also lead to bad breath? It’s true!

Researchers have found that individuals who follow a low carb diet are likely to release ketones, a chemical naturally produced by the body that emits a less-than-ideal smell right from your mouth.

Now this isn’t an excuse to get off your diet, but we do want you to be aware of how a seemingly healthy eating plan can have negative side effects for your oral health and well-being.

Two common ways to fight this problem: chew sugarless gum and drink more water, as hydration promotes a healthy mouth and better smelling breath.


Are tonsil stones causing your bad breath?

Tonsil stones are not pleasant, and if you’re a little squeamish, you may want to proceed reading this paragraph with caution. You see, tonsil stones form in small pockets within the mouth and then harden into a substance that has a cheese-like consistency.

As you can probably imagine, this can become quite foul smelling over time and can lead to chronic bad breath very easily. The good news? You can typically remove these stones with either a water flosser or a cotton swab, and then gargle with warm salt water on a consistent basis in order to keep them from forming again.

In extreme cases, patients who suffer from tonsil stones may need to have their tonsils surgically removed.


Acid reflux: A common bad breath culprit

Have you ever brushed your teeth, flossed thoroughly, and noticed your smile is looking like a million bucks, only to still have bad breath?

Acid reflux is a very common condition and it causes bad breath on a frequent basis. Typically, you’ll notice this problem after you eat or early in the morning if you belch (burp).

In order to treat this cause of bad breath, you have to treat the underlying issue. There are many over-the-counter medications that assist in neutralizing stomach acid, as well as other medications that can be prescribed by your doctor.

A common way for individuals suffering from acid reflux is to alter their diet and focus on eating more organic, whole foods while eliminating or reducing processed foods.


A word of caution: when bad breath isn’t just bad breath

It’s important to note— while the vast majority of halitosis sufferers are tired of bad breath that stems from some sort of oral problem, it can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue.

For example, diabetes, liver disease, and a variety of stomach conditions can be a leading contributor to your bad breath issue. If you feel your bad breath may be caused by a more serious underlying condition, we encourage you to visit your general practitioner immediately.


So what now?

According to most estimates, 80% of bad breath is either directly caused or significantly influenced by dental problems, which means that seeing a dentist for a halitosis evaluation is the next logical step.

If you are searching for a new dentist on the South Shore of Long Island in or around the West Babylon or Patchogue areas, please give our practice nearest you a call today!

We have two locations (Babylon Dental Care at Great South Bay and Babylon Dental Care at Gateway Plaza) and would love to meet you and your family.

So what are you waiting for? Give our office a call today!

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

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“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

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