Causes of and Treatment for Halitosis

Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath. Bad breath can cause embarrassment, self-consciousness, and confusion, especially if you’ve tried everything to mask it! This can even lead to withdrawal from family and friends. Halitosis is most often caused by neglecting oral hygiene, but it can be a sign of other oral health problems.

Halitosis Causes

Below are a few of the most common causes of halitosis:

• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Periodontal disease (an advanced form of gum disease)
• Dry mouth or lack of saliva
• Food debris stuck in the mouth

If the food and plaque that accumulate in our mouths aren’t properly brushed and flossed away each day, they will start to build up and cause the foul odor associated with halitosis and bad breath.

Halitosis Treatment

While halitosis can be unpleasant, the good news is that dental professionals can treat it quite easily. This includes a professional deep clean of the gums and teeth, eliminating the plaque and bacteria causing the odor. Going forward, Dr. Preston Polson can help teach you how to avoid problems with chronic bad breath in the future.

If you’re suffering from halitosis and would like to make an appointment, please contact Meadows Family Dentistry here in Castle Rock, Colorado.