When Should you Get Bad Breath Treatment from a Dentist in the Area?

Getting treatment for halitosis by a dentist in Colorado Springs could help you treat this oral problem, hospital also referred to as bad breath. There are many causes of halitosis, but with proper oral care, you could help reduce the issue, or possibly eliminate it altogether. Beware of the myths about halitosis and always seek care from a dentist, like those at Pine Creek Dental, in order to treat this issue.

Causes

There are a variety of issues that could cause halitosis. This includes a poor diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, as well as various medical conditions or diseases. The type of treatment that your dentist will provide depends on the cause of halitosis.

Some of those most common causes of halitosis are:

• Throat infections (tonsillitis or pharyngitis)
• Dentures
• Dry mouth
• Gum or periodontal infection
• Foods with strong odors
• Triamterene and paraldehyde (some side effects cause bad breath)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Tobacco products
• Lactose intolerance
• Diabetes

Myths about Halitosis

There are many myths about halitosis, and none of them will help you treat this issue. Some of the most common myths associated with halitosis are:

• Internal breath fresheners help – These fresheners cannot treat a chronic halitosis condition.
• Brushing your teeth automatically eliminates halitosis – Excessive brushing could lead to dry mouth, which will increase the halitosis problem.
• Halitosis is hereditary – Bad breath is not a hereditary condition.
• This condition is always caused by stomach or lung issues – In rare cases of halitosis, this can occur; however, it would be a manifestation of a more serious disease.

Seeking Treatment for Halitosis

You may not know when to seek treatment for bad breath, especially since this dental condition is not life-threatening. The causes of this condition could actually be fairly normal, such as “morning breath.” However, some of the medical causes of halitosis could be severe, which is why you should seek treatment from a dentist in Colorado Springs immediately.

At this time, your dentist will go over the issue, and determine what needs to be done. In some cases, you may need a referral. For example, if your case of halitosis is caused by severe gum disease, a qualified dentist like Pine Creek’s Dr. Bill Thompson, DDS, will recommend that you seek care from a periodontist who specializes in treating gum disease.

Sources
Dental Health and Bad Breath, webmd.com
Common Bad Breath Myths, halitosissymptoms.wordpress.com