Nobody wants bad breath. Known officially as halitosis, this embarrassing problem has spawned a multi-billion dollar industry of remedies including breath mints, chewing gum, sprays and mouthwashes. But these treatments only address symptoms, in essence only masking the problem. What are the root causes of bad breath? And, more importantly, how can we eliminate it? The dentists at the Yuba City Dentistry Group are here to help you find out.
Just about everyone experiences bad breath at some point. Eating onions, drinking coffee, or even just waking up in the morning, may send friends and family running in the other direction. But what if we or someone we love are constantly exhaling noticeably unpleasant odors?
Bad breath is primarily the result of oral bacteria processing food particles trapped in the mouth. The back of the tongue is an especially vulnerable area for bacteria to collect, where they feast on food remnants, dead skin cells and mucus in a warm, moist environment. Bacteria produces waste in the form of sulfuric compounds, with a smell that resembles rotten eggs. Food and bacteria may also become trapped between teeth, gums or in oral fixtures such as braces or dentures. This is why poor dental hygiene worsens the problem of bad breath.
Sinus, bronchial, or yeast infections may also cause halitosis. Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia), a side effect of many medications, is another possible culprit. Other potential causes include tobacco use, stress or hormonal changes, or even serious conditions such as diabetes or a malfunction of the kidney or liver.
After an examination, your Yuba City dentist may recommend any of the following:
Whatever the cause of bad breath, the dentists and hygienists at the Yuba City Dentistry Group refuse to give up on you until we identify the problem and provide an effective solution. For help with bad breath, contact us online or call at 530-671-4784 to set up a consultation.