When you have halitosis, which is another way of saying that you’re dealing with chronic bad breath, you may assume you just need to brush better. In some instances, if you’re fortunate and your oral health is still safe, then it’s absolutely possible you’re right! However, it’s also possible that in addition to the fact that you may not be doing your best with brushing, flossing, and visits with us, you may have developed an oral health issue that’s a primary reason for that unpleasant odor that’s emanating from your mouth. Learn more with our Pella, IA team, so you recognize that seeing us soon is essential!
Tooth Decay Or Infection
If halitosis is impacting your life, it’s very important to recognize that it is often caused by an existing issue in your mouth that’s developed due to bad bacteria. Enter: Tooth decay or infection. Remember that bacteria release acids that eat away at the tissue in your mouth. Over time, this can lead to decay in your tooth or the infection of the tissue within your tooth. Particularly when these issues are left untreated for some time, that dying tissue will end up smelling bad, which will translate to the outside world as bad breath. Come in for your visits with us every six months, so we may catch and treat these concerns, as your smile remains in friendly smelling shape.
Gingivitis
What about your gum tissue, you may wonder? Will bacteria affect it, too and may that lead to bad breath? The answer is that problems like gingivitis and more advanced gum disease may absolutely include halitosis. Keep in mind that your gum tissue can become not only inflamed but infected, as a buildup of plaque rests just beneath your gumline. All in all, this will smell foul and the longer it is untreated, the more likely you are to notice it.
Dry Mouth
We want you to keep at the forefront of your mind, as well, that if you do not have sufficient saliva in your mouth, you will not have your body’s natural bacteria-rinsing system protecting you from a buildup. So, parched tissues may come with halitosis because of mounting bacterial counts, the foul odors they release, and the foul-smelling damage they cause. All you have to do is come in for care with us, so we may offer the preventive or restorative treatments for a smile that’s healthy.
Treat Oral Health Concerns To Treat Halitosis
Don’t forget that when you notice long-standing bad breath, it is often a sign that you need to come in to our practice to treat the underlying oral health problem associated with it. Schedule a checkup soon! To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.