July 3, 2019
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Although no one wants to hear it, most everyone has the occasional burst of bad breath thanks to certain foods and less than perfect oral hygiene.
Almost everyone experiences bad breath (halitosis) at some point. While it’s often caused by food or skipped brushing, chronic bad breath can signal deeper oral health issues. If halitosis is impacting your confidence, visiting an experienced dentist in Cary NC like Stanley Dentistry can help you identify the cause and find lasting solutions.
Bad Breath and How a Dentist in Cary, NC Can Help
1. Poor Oral Hygiene: The Most Common Cause
About 80% of bad breath cases come from oral causes. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria break down leftover food particles, releasing sulfur compounds that smell unpleasant. Over time, this can also lead to gum disease and cavities, both of which worsen halitosis.
Tip: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule routine cleanings with your trusted Cary dentist to reduce bacteria buildup.
2. Tobacco Use and Smoking
Smoking and tobacco products are well-known contributors to bad breath. Beyond the long-term risks of oral cancer and gum disease, tobacco leaves a strong, lingering odor.
If you’re ready to quit, your Cary NC dentist can guide you toward healthier alternatives and provide resources to support your oral health recovery.
3. Chronic Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva naturally helps clean your mouth, so a lack of it allows odor-causing bacteria to thrive. While “morning breath” is normal, ongoing dry mouth throughout the day isn’t.
Tip: Stay hydrated, avoid excessive caffeine, and ask your dentist in Cary NC about products like Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse, available in our patient store.
4. Denture Care and Bad Breath
Dentures can trap food particles and bacteria if they aren’t cleaned thoroughly. Without proper care, this buildup can lead to unpleasant odors.
Tip: Clean dentures daily using a product like Polident 3-Minute Anti-Bacterial Denture Cleanser to keep them fresh and protect your oral health.
5. Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) form when food particles and bacteria get trapped in tonsil crevices. They’re small, white, and often produce a strong sulfur smell.
Tip: Use an oral irrigator, gargle with alcohol-free mouthwash, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to help reduce their occurrence.
When to Visit a Cary NC Dentist for Bad Breath
If you’ve tried improving your oral hygiene, quit tobacco, and treated dry mouth but still struggle with halitosis, it’s time to see a professional.
At Stanley Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Cary NC, our team will examine your mouth, identify the underlying cause, and recommend personalized treatment to restore your confidence.
Schedule an appointment with Stanley Dentistry today and take the first step toward fresher breath and better oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
Can a dentist in Cary, NC treat bad breath?
Yes. A dentist in Cary NC can identify whether your halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or another condition. They can then recommend the right treatment plan to help eliminate bad breath.
What is the fastest way to cure bad breath?
The quickest way to reduce bad breath is by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash. However, if bad breath persists, scheduling an appointment with a Cary dentist ensures you get to the root cause.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. Gum disease creates pockets around the teeth where bacteria thrive, releasing foul-smelling sulfur compounds. A Cary NC dentist can provide periodontal treatment to eliminate infection and improve your breath.
How do I know if my bad breath is from dry mouth?
If you experience a sticky or dry feeling in your mouth, difficulty swallowing, or notice persistent morning breath, you may have chronic dry mouth. A dentist in Cary NC can recommend saliva-stimulating treatments to help.
Is bad breath ever a sign of a serious condition?
While most cases are oral in nature, persistent halitosis can sometimes be linked to conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or chronic bronchitis. That’s why seeing a Cary dentist is the best way to rule out oral causes before exploring medical ones.
