Most patients do their best to achieve an excellent overall oral state. They tend to go the extra mile by undergoing dental treatments that promise to enhance the look of their smiles. With today’s advancements in dentistry, it is easy to attain the smiles everyone has always dreamed of. However, some people often neglect other structures in the mouth like the tongue.
The tongue is an essential part of the mouth for it helps with proper chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Of course, it also plays a vital role in terms of tasting certain foods. This alone goes to show why proper care of this oral structure is also essential. Like the teeth, the tongue can also be a home for bacteria and plaque. If these harmful substances are left unattended, it can lead to oral complications like halitosis.
What is halitosis?
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It is a common condition experienced by many people globally. While some only experience it after eating certain foods or when waking up in the morning, others have it as a recurring problem.
What are the usual causes of bad breath?
Various factors could result in bad breath; One of the most common is food debris left in the mouth even after brushing, flossing, or rinsing. Little by little, the bacteria will then digest the carbohydrates on these particles, thereby, releasing acids and sulfur compound which leaves an unpleasant odor. Other factors include poor hygiene practices, intake of foods with intense aromas, bad habits, inadequate nutrition, dry mouth (xerostomia), and gum disease.
Is the use of a mouthwash effective in providing fresh breath?
Although rinsing, with the aid of mouthwash is advised, not every type of solution is ideal to use. Those with alcohol content are usually not the perfect choice for it can cause the mouth to dry. Dry mouth means that there is not enough saliva to wash away harmful substances like acids and bacteria. The condition is actually one of the factors that can lead to bad breath.
How can bad breath be avoided or treated?
- Practice proper dental hygiene regularly (make sure to include the tongue)
- Avoid bad habits like smoking or alcohol drinking
- Use mouth-friendly dental products
- Invest in a tongue scraper
- Stay hydrated
- Schedule regular dental appointments
At Pawhuska Dental, our experts can perform an examination to trace the exact cause of halitosis and provide the necessary treatments for its cure. We will also advise our patients the proper practices to prevent the condition from recurring.
If you want to own a healthy, and fresh breath, Pawhuska Dental is here for you! Check out our Halitosis Treatment in Pawhuska, OK for the treatment of bad breath. You can also visit us 201 W Main St Pawhuska, OK 74056.