Bad BreathAn Overview
Everyone has bad breath from time to time because of potent foods or beverages. Persistent bad breath, though, may be an indication of oral disease or systemic disease. If you have chronic bad breath, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists for an examination and oral health screening.
What Causes Bad Breath
Aside from the obvious culprits: coffee, alcohol, onions and garlic, bad breath can be caused by things other than what we eat. Causes for bad breath may include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gingivitis or gum disease
- Dentures, caused by plaque and debris build up beneath denture
- Tonsils, which can trap food debris
- Respiratory infection
- Dry mouth, which may be caused by certain medications
- Systemic disease such as diabetes, kidney or gastrointestinal disorder
I have been a patient of Dr. Vagnozzi Bucci Spa Dental Practice since April 2002 and I’m extremely happy. I have dental insurance that I cannot use at the office however, I still choose to go there. The whole staff is superior in their technical abilities, attitude and professionalism. Every…Gayle D.
I have been a patient of the office for twenty-five years and I’m very happy. It’s so nice being a patient there, they do everything to make you have a pleasant experience. I’m so relaxed and comfortable with them it’s like we’re family. I recently had veneers done on my…Leslie S.
Prior to my involvement with Vagnozzi-Bucci and her associates, I had been experiencing multiple dental problems and enduring an uncomfortable fragile partial denture, which never completely matched my tooth color. Thus, I had been reluctant to smile. The dental work that was constructed for me is beautiful and natural, now…Cathy
Bad Breath What to Expect
An oral exam is the first step towards treating bad breath. The dentist will determine what is causing your bad breath and then recommend a course of treatment. If your bad breath is caused by a dental problem, we will help you with treatment. If your bad breath is caused by external agents such as diet or systemic disease, we may refer you to another physician for treatment.
- Teeth Cleaning
Bad breath may be caused by poor oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing is important, but without routine visits to the dentist, the average person is unable to effectively remove plaque from the teeth and gums. Plaque build up in the mouth is a common cause of bad breath. A professional teeth cleaning can remove this sticky film and get rid of bad breath.
- Periodontal Therapy
Plaque that has built up along the teeth and gums may lead to gingivitis and gum disease, contributing to bad breath. For treatment, the dentist may perform a deep cleaning known as scaling. This will remove plaque and tartar from the gum pockets that may be causing bad breath. The dentist may also recommend antibacterial mouth rinses and other aids to clear up any infection.
