Nobody wants stinky breath, but not everyone knows how to handle the odor coming from his or her mouth.

Halitosis, commonly known as “bad breath,” can be a sign of poor dental hygiene, gum disease, caries, a yeast infection of the mouth, or in some cases other health conditions such as kidney or liver problems. The first place to turn is your general dentist, who will help diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.

Halitosis is often caused by bacteria which thrive in the warm, moist environment found inside the mouth. They congregate and multiply on your teeth, gums, and tongue. A specific type of bacteria often causes chronic halitosis: S. Moorei. This bacteria feeds on food particles left in the mouth, releasing toxins that smell terrible and can cause gum inflammation.

If you suffer from bad breath or halitosis, have no fear — there are solutions! We recommend:

• Regular dental care. Get exams and thorough cleanings at least twice a year. We have a great team who work closely together to ensure our patients get continuing, optimal dental treatment in a relaxed, state-of-the-art environment.
• Good oral hygiene. Floss and brush at least twice a day. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months and after illness. Many mouthwash products simply mask the problem and some ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride can cause brown stains. We often recommend CTx3 Rinse by CariFree.
• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco products.
• Keep your mouth moist. Drink lots of water. Sugar-free gum and mints, especially those containing xylitol, stimulate saliva production to wash away food particles, and they also help keep your mouth at the proper pH level to help fight dental caries.

Questions? Concerns? Call Distinctive Dentistry at (253) 922-6822, or send us a message, Contact Us.We love to hear from you!