I have halitosis. What can I do?

Halitosis is the fancy, scientific word for “bad breath.” Drs. Mackley, Esplin, and Spackman and our team know that there are several reasons why you may have halitosis. Let’s look at a few:

• Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) – There are five main types of gum disease, and each one can range from mild to severe. One example is gingivitis; it is caused by bacteria in the plaque that has been allowed to build up, usually as a result of poor oral hygiene. A more serious and uncommon type of gum disease is called necrotizing periodontal disease. It is most common in people who have a suppressed immune system.

• Smoking

• Dry Mouth – This can be caused by something as simple as a medication you take.

• Food – Of course, if you eat something that is potent like garlic, it is going to give you bad breath.

• Diseases of the body – Some diseases such as sinus infections and diabetes, among other things, can cause you to have halitosis.

How to Get Rid of Halitosis

The most obvious answer to how to get rid of halitosis is to practice good oral hygiene; although depending on the cause of halitosis, it may not be that simple. If you have an infection that is causing halitosis, you may need treatment in order to help it clear up.

Here are some general tips:

• Brush your teeth after every meal and before bed.

• Floss your teeth. The more plaque you get out of your teeth, the better chance you have of not getting cavities or bad breath.

• Address any medical conditions that are not related to your teeth that can be causing the halitosis.

• Ask Drs. Mackley, Esplin, and Spackman for a prescription mouthwash that kills bacteria.

Halitosis (bad breath) can be an embarrassing condition to live with, but there are plenty of ways to get rid of it permanently. Start by talking to a member of our team at our Perry office.