$\"Shreveport$ Halitosis, more commonly referred to as bad breath, is something that most people have experienced at some point in their lives. Bad breath is most commonly the result of something eaten or of an illness and goes away quickly. Unfortunately, for some patients, bad breath is a daily occurrence. Sadly, chronic bad breath can make it difficult to engage in social and professional relationships. Bad breath can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Patients who suffer from chronic bad breath often have a fear of offending people with their breath. It is not unusual for these patients to shy away from social events and to experience feelings of anxiety and depression as a result of their condition. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent bad breath from occurring in the first place. For those who are already affected by bad breath, there are treatments available. For our patients in Shreveport bad breath treatment may include special toothpaste and mouthwash.

Bad Breath Causes

In order to prevent or treat bad breath, it is important to understand what causes the condition to occur. Finding the cause of your bad breath is especially important as it can be a symptom of a more serious medical or dental problem. To determine the cause of your bad breath, our Shreveport cosmetic dentist will perform a comprehensive dental examination. There are many possible causes of bad breath, including:

Diet: certain foods, such as onions and garlic, cause bad breath
Tobacco use: tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, cause bad breath
Dry mouth
Many medical conditions cause bad breath, including GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), heartburn, diabetes, and strep throat
Many medications can cause bad breath, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications
Dentures: not cleaning dentures properly or wearing dentures too long can cause bad breath
Bad oral hygiene: not brushing your teeth, not brushing your teeth thoroughly, and not flossing at all or enough can cause bad breath
Gum disease

How to Prevent Bad Breath

The first and most important step to preventing bad breath is good oral hygiene. By adopting good dental habits, most patients can prevent bad breath altogether. Good dental habits include:

Brushing your teeth twice a day
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth
Flossing your teeth at least once a day
Undergoing routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings at least twice a year
Eating a healthy diet
Not using any tobacco products
Eliminating certain foods from your diet or eating them in moderation (for example, garlic, broccoli, and asparagus)
Cleaning your dentures every night as well as before wearing them

Treating Bad Breath

Some patients will be able to eliminate their bad breath simply by making changes in their diet and practicing good oral hygiene. For others, bad breath is actually a symptom of a bigger dental issue: gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease can cause irreversible damage to the gums and teeth, which can lead to the loss of one or more teeth. If severe damage has occurred as a result of gum disease, dental crowns may be recommended. For our patients in Shreveport, dental crowns can effectively restore the size, shape, and strength of damaged teeth.

Contact Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care

Because of the negative impact bad breath has on your life, it is vital to your health and self-esteem to treat bad breath. To discuss in greater detail how to prevent and treat bad breath, please contact Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care today.