Why does my breath smell so bad?
Everyone gets bad breath once in a while — for example, after eating an especially strong-tasting food or when waking up in the morning. But 25% of people suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Brushing and flossing your teeth, drinking water, or chewing gum cannot permanently solve this type of bad breath.
Chronic bad breath can be caused by:
Gum disease
Cavities or infection
Cigarettes or tobacco products
Mouth breathing & dry mouth
Dental appliances
Mask mouth? Yes, it’s real!
Have you been noticing your breath a lot more lately? Dry mouth and bad breath is a common side effect of wearing a mask for an extended period of time. Be diligent about drinking lots of water, brushing and flossing your teeth, and regularly replacing or cleaning your mask.
And be sure to keep up on your routine dental cleanings!
Bad breath isn’t always a dental concern
Bad breath may be indicative of a medical issue, such as a sinus infection, acid reflux, or a liver or kidney disorder. If that’s the case, it’s important to get in touch with your physician.
Not sure what’s causing your bad breath? That’s what we’re here for. Give us a call at (816) 429-5799.
How to fix bad breath
Step 1
Step 2
Get an exam, diagnosis, and custom treatment plan
Step 3
Begin treatment and learn how to prevent bad breath from returning
Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis so you can find the right solution!
Common treatments for halitosis:
Deep cleaning
If gum disease is the cause of your bad breath, we may recommend a deep cleaning treatment or other gum disease therapy.
Filling or root canal
You may be suffering from tooth decay or infection. In that case, a filling or root canal may be necessary
Oral appliance
Nighttime mouth breathing can cause dry mouth and bad breath. A custom night guard may be just what you need.
Common questions about bad breath
What’s the best way to prevent bad breath?
- Brush and floss every day
- Use a tongue scraper after you brush
- Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products
- Drink lots of water and keep your mouth moist
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
- Visit us every 6 months for a checkup!
What’s the best mouthwash for bad breath?
If you suffer from chronic bad breath, a mouthwash won’t solve the problem. In fact, mouthwash often dries out your mouth and makes your breath worse! Talk to Dr. Jackson and your hygienist about whether or not mouthwash is the best choice for you — and if so, which one.
Will gum help my bad breath?
While a stick of gum will provide a burst of freshness, it’s not a lasting solution. In fact, gum and mints are often filled with sugar, which is bad for your teeth!
How do you know if your breath smells bad?
If you suspect your breath doesn’t smell good, visit your dentist. Other ways to tell if you have bad breath:
- Ask a trusted friend or family member!
- Purchase a halimeter test to measure your volatile sulfur compound (VSC) level — above 100 often indicates bad breath.
- It may sound odd, but try licking the inside of your wrist and smelling it!
Hear from our patients
“I had an amazing experience. I have been to several offices, but this one really blew me away. I was beyond impressed with every detail of my visit.”
“I have a history of disliking dentists. I’ve had a lot of pain and a lot and a lot of procedures done. And when I went to Dr. Jesse I had a painless experience for the first time and that just really changed things for me.“
“My experience at Jackson Family Dental has been one of great professionalism and great service. They have the technology and everything you’re looking for in a dentist. But the thing that really keeps me and my family coming back are the relationships we’ve built.“
Schedule your cleaning & exam
Even if it’s been years since your last cleaning, we’d love to see you. There’s no judgement here, just a team dedicated to your oral health. Call (816) 429-5799 to schedule a visit today.
Our Liberty office
Kansas City, MO 64157
Jackson Family Dental is conveniently located right off of Route 152. Enjoy our spa-like atmosphere and family-friendly approach. We look forward to seeing you!
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