Halitosis Treatment (SRP)
Not feeling so fresh lately? Chronic bad breath, known as halitosis, can have a major impact on your daily life. It can lower your self-esteem to where you don’t want to put yourself out there or take the chances you normally would. It could also be a sign of more serious oral health problems. Join us at Bayshore Family Dental for judgment-free care that attacks bad breath at the root of the problem. We believe everybody deserves a smile they can be proud of.
What Is Halitosis?
Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath that doesn’t go away. It’s a common condition that nearly one in three adults suffer from in the United States.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath could have several different sources:
- Poor dental hygiene: Without regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, bacteria can spread freely in your mouth and cause tooth decay and an unpleasant smell.
- Periodontal disease: One of the telltale signs of gum disease is bad breath. Bacteria feed on the proteins between the gums, releasing foul-smelling compounds that affect your breath.
- Bacteria on the tongue: Unless regularly treated, bacteria on the tongue can spread and contribute to halitosis.
- Nose, throat, or lung infection: Internal infections might produce foul-smelling liquids when one coughs that result in bad breath.
- Dry mouth: Saliva is helpful to clear out food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Chronic dry mouth can affect the mouth’s ability to rinse out particles that may rot and smell over time.
How Is Bad Breath Treated?
At Bayshore Family Dental, the remedy to bad breath starts by identifying the source. A careful examination will give us the information we need to give you optimal treatment for your halitosis. For some patients, a thorough cleaning will be enough to remove foul-smelling bacteria for fresh breath. Signs of periodontal gum disease may also be treated through a thorough cleaning or scaling and root planing (SRP). SRP is a deep cleaning around the roots of the teeth. This type of gum therapy is needed to prevent bone loss once bacteria works its way beyond a tooth’s gum line. If there’s a sign of infection, we’ll catch these symptoms early and refer you to a specialist for prompt, effective care.
Maintaining Your Treatment
Your daily hygiene routine is the greatest weapon against bad breath. By brushing and flossing twice a day, you’ll do your part to stop bacteria from growing and spreading through your mouth. Don’t neglect your tongue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove bacteria and freshen up your breath.
Get Fresher Breath Today
Don’t let halitosis hold you back. Reach out to us today and schedule an appointment to set you on track for lasting, fresher breath with your health in mind.