If you suffer from recurring bad breath, you may find yourself backing away from people to not let it show. You might also repeatedly chew on mints or gum, which only act as a cover-up. Our dentists at Helotes Family Dentistry, serving Helotes, TX, and the surrounding area, offer treatments to get to the root of the problem.
Gingivitis or Gum Disease
One way our dentist can address bad breath is by providing periodontal therapy. Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease, and when left untreated, it can turn into full blown periodontal disease. Gingivitis is caused by bacteria under and along your gum line. Because the bacteria excrete a waste product that has an unpleasant smell, the result is bad breath. Our dentists will clean your teeth and gum line thoroughly. Scaling and planing might be necessary to clean underneath your gums to remove the bacteria. In some cases, we may prescribe an antibiotic.
Thorough Cleaning
Even if you don’t have gingivitis or gum disease, you may develop bad breath from bacteria and food particles remaining in between your teeth. Our team will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove all the bacteria and any food particles that remain. Regular brushing and daily flossing can go a long way in preventing bad breath.
Treat an Infection
If one of your teeth is infected, our dentist will treat the infection. This may consist of draining your abscess and prescribing antibiotics. Sometimes root canal therapy is necessary. If additional dental treatment is needed to solve the problem, we’ll be sure you understand the options.
Other Reasons for Bad Breath
If there’s not an obvious reason why you have bad breath, we may discuss your lifestyle and medical history to see if we can determine another cause. We will ask you about your medical conditions because certain medications can cause bad breath. Sometimes drinking more fluids, eating fewer sweets and being aware of foods in your diet that naturally have strong odors can help reduce halitosis. Expect to be encouraged to improve your oral hygiene habits and make regular visits to the dentist!
Better Oral Health in Helotes, TX
Your overall health is important to us. And something like persistent bad breath can not only harm your oral health, it can also take a toll on your mental health. Our team can help you defeat bad breath. It might be treatment for an infection or encouragement to make some simple lifestyle changes. If this condition is bothering you, don’t wait to contact Helotes Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment
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