Dentist in Northbrook, IL, Explain the Cure for Chronic Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath is also known as halitosis or malodor. It’s a very common condition faced by a large population which is caused by bacterial buildup in the mouth which leads to inflammation and produces noxious odors and gases which smell like sulfur.

Dr. Steven Kacel discusses the possible causes and cures of chronic bad breath below:

Causes of Chronic Bad Breath

One of the major causes of bad breath is cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Also, bad breath can be a result of tonsils with retained food particles, dirty dentures, and cracked fillings.

Your go-to dentist in Northbrook, IL, Dr. Kacel, explains that there are also certain medical conditions which can cause chronic bad breath. These conditions include hepatic disorders, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, acid reflux, chronic dry mouth or xerostomia, and postnasal drip.

Cures for Chronic Bad Breath

1. Taking Proper Care Of Your Teeth And Gums

   Good oral hygiene is mandatory to cure bad breath. The teeth should be brushed and flossed after every meal in order to reduce the production and accumulation of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. If you suffer from chronic bad breath and regular toothbrushes don’t help, it’s recommended to use an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes because they distribute a uniform motion which removes plaques more effectively, and these toothbrushes are also provided with timers so that people can brush their teeth for the proper length of time.

   Northbrook dental providers recommend the use of mouthwashes and rinses as well, as they prevent cavity development, reduce plaque formation, and fight chronic bad breath. It’s advisable to use an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash which kills bacteria, instead of a cosmetic rinse which only freshens up the breath.

   Use of a chlorine dioxide rinse is beneficial in killing the harmful bacteria and it also reduces the proteins which allow the fermentation of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.

2. Take Care of Your Diet

   Your food intake directly affects your breath. The digested food enters your bloodstream and it’s then expelled by the lungs during breathing. Certain dietary habits such as very low-carb diets and extreme fasting can induce bad breath in an individual. Also avoid breath busters like onions, garlic, and extremely spicy foods.

3. Stay Hydrated

   If you don’t brush your teeth after every meal, drink plenty of water. This speeds up the process of debris cleaning between your teeth, and reduces bacterial growth in your oral cavity. Also, drinking milk is known to deodorize some of the noxious breath odors.

4. Say No to Smoking and Other Tobacco Products

   Pipes, cigarettes, and snuff can give you bad breath. Stay away from all items containing nicotine.

5. Cut Back On Coffee and Alcohol

   Coffee has a strong smell and it’s difficult to get it off the back of your tongue. So if you’re suffering from chronic bad breath, reduce your coffee intake. Also, alcohol leads to dry mouth which eventually leads to bad breath. Too much wine, beer, and hard liquor makes your breath reek for as long as eight to ten hours even after you stop drinking.

6. Chewing Sugarless Gum

   Dr. Kacel and your trusted Northbrook dental care team suggest that chewing sugarless gum almost twenty minutes after a meal can increase the saliva flow in your mouth and fight bad breath. 100% xylitol-sweetened gum helps reduce cavities and gives you fresher breath.