Halitosis, also called bad breath, can be caused by a variety of conditions. While everyone gets bad breath every once and a while, especially if it’s been a few hours since you last brushed your teeth, persistent bad breath may indicate an oral health or medical condition. In addition, halitosis can have immediate and long-term impacts on your personal life, including your relationships with the people you love most.

A St Johns FL dental care office can provide halitosis treatment to help you get your social life and confidence back. Your dentist will help you find the root cause, treat your condition, and improve your bad breath.

Bacteria in the Mouth Can Cause Bad Breath

Sometimes, bad breath can be traced directly to the onions on your burger or the garlic in your aioli. These fragrant aromatics often contain the same key compounds as Sulfur, a particularly smelly element and mineral. These causes of bad breath may persist for hours, but the effects typically subside with mouthwash or brushing your teeth.

When bad breath doesn’t go away, it may be caused by bacteria that live on the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria also produce sulfur.

Periodontitis (Gum Disease) and Poor Oral Hygiene

After you eat, bacteria form on your teeth and eat the proteins in your food. If the bacteria and plaque continue to build without regular brushing, they inflame the gums, causing pockets where even more food and bacteria can lodge. If these food particles remain in the mouth, they rot and produce a foul odor.

It is possible to reverse gum disease with better dental hygiene and help from a dentist in Saint Johns, FL. Once your oral health is in order, your breath should show the effects.

Dry Mouth Makes Conditions More Suitable for Bacteria

Your saliva plays an important role in the health of your teeth and gums. After you eat, your saliva will cleanse your mouth of remaining food, sugar, and acid. Plus, saliva helps to rebuild the enamel on your teeth. Without such a vital element of your oral health, bacteria can propagate and cause halitosis.

Dry mouth is sometimes caused by alcoholism, some medications, tobacco use, and certain health conditions. A dentist in your area can help you determine the root cause of your dry mouth and bad breath.

Other Possible Causes of Halitosis

The root cause of your bad breath may be difficult to pin down on your own. A dentist can conduct a health assessment and collaborate with your primary care physician to determine the cause. Then, they will create a treatment to manage your halitosis.

Here are some other possible causes that may be contributing to your bad breath:

• Oral cancer
• Tonsil stones
• Upper respiratory infections
• Diabetes
• Liver or kidney disease
• GERD, or acid reflux

Choose Vitalize Dental for Your St. Johns Dentist in Florida

If you’re suffering from halitosis, you may need help from a dentist in your area. At Vitalize Dental, we aim to make a difference in the lives of our clients by collaborating with them on dental health, treating symptoms, and improving their quality of life. To schedule an appointment where we can assess your oral health and the possible causes of your halitosis, call 904-439-4806 or fill out our contact form.