Five Dental Services that Treat Bad Breath
Are you suffering from bad breath that you cannot treat yourself? Your dentist can provide dental services that help treat it. From appropriate prescriptions through to tartar removal, there are lots of treatments you'll benefit from.
Prescribing a toothpaste to treat plaque
Many people are familiar with the word plaque, but did you know it simply means bacteria that is present on your teeth? When these bacteria produce acids, they form an acrid smell in your mouth. This is why plaque removal is important. In some cases, plaque doesn't respond as well to over-the-counter treatments as prescription ones. This is why your dentist may prescribe one with antimicrobial properties.
Provide a mouthguard that prevents snoring
Sometimes people who have dry mouths are more prone to bad breath. If you are a mouth snorer, your dentist can fit a mouthguard. Mouthguards push the lower jaw forward, which makes the area you breathe through wider. While you can buy one online, having an appropriate fit is more effective than one that's standard.
Refer you to ENT to treat sinusitis
Sometimes, bad breath isn't a dentist's arena. One condition that contributes to bad breath is sinusitis, which is where the sinuses encounter inflammation. If you have sinusitis, you may experience post-nasal drip, which is where excess mucus drips through the nasal cavities and down the back of the throat. When this mucus contains excess bacteria, your mouth contains more of their acrid toxins. There are other medical conditions that contribute to bad breath too, these include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Pneumonia
If your dentist suspects your bad breath is arising due to a medical condition, they'll help you seek an appropriate service.
Provide advice on appropriate mouthwash use
While mouthwash kills off the bacteria that make your breath smell bad, it also disrupts the natural good bacteria that stop bad bacteria thriving. Therefore, using mouthwash isn't always the answer. If you're using mouthwash to combat bad breath and it isn't working, speak to your dentist. They may either prescribe a more appropriate type, or they'll advise you to stop using it.
Tartar removal
Tartar is a buildup of minerals on your teeth. In addition to making brushing more difficult, it's a great place for bacteria to live. If your dentist identifies lots of tartar, they'll provide a cleaning service that removes it. As a result, your teeth will harbor fewer bacteria and brushing becomes easier, allowing you to experience better breath.
If bad breath is getting you down, don't hesitate to reach out to your dentist for help.
