Bad breath, or halitosis, is a clinical issue usually caused by bacteria. Although some cases may be considered harmless, moderate and prolonged halitosis cases are a sign of more serious oral health concerns. Fortunately, halitosis can be relatively easy to cure once the cause has been identified.
Potential Causes
Most cases of halitosis are related to poor oral hygiene, especially lingering food particles in between the teeth, on the tongue, and under the gums. Food remnants, when broken down by bacteria, produced oral malodor. This is usually due to inadequate brushing and flossing, but can advance to oral infections and cavities which further exacerbate the foul odor condition. Other non-hygienic causes of halitosis include skipping meals, low carbohydrate diets, and Xerostomia or dry mouth.
Remedial measures
The best way to reduce halitosis is by practicing good oral hygiene. Regular flossing and brushing ensure that all food particles are washed away and cavities avoided. Dr. Mulandi of Eastern Slope Dental also strongly recommends that you maintain regular cleaning and examination appointments, so that his Conway dental team can have the opportunity to catch signs of gum disease and tooth decay before they advance and cause more serious health concerns than simply bad breath. Give us a call today to schedule your next cleaning!
