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Bad Breath

Bad Breath (or Halitosis) Treatment

Dr. Elliot Davis and his staff are highly qualified to and routinely treat all forms of bad breath. For chronic bad breath that is due to gum and bone problems, the board certified periodontist and Dr. Davis often confer and design a regimen that will not only eliminate the problem, but reduce the likelihood of it returning. For chronic bad breath problems that are due to abscesses, oral infections, medications or severely compromised teeth, the board certified oral surgeon and Dr. Davis often confer to determine a course of action that will quickly eliminate the cause of the problem.

Overview

More than half of the adult population has reported that they presently have or have had in the past Halitosis (bad breath). The most likely culprit of bad breath is unwanted bacteria in your mouth. Some bacteria and their waste products can cause plaque by clinging to the tongue, teeth, gums and/or bone around the teeth, while other bacteria can eat away at healthy tooth structure, causing tooth decay (cavities). While there is no one cause of bad breath, most unpleasant odors are known to arise from food debris, bacteria and their waste products trapped in the mouth. Over 600 types of bacteria found in the average mouth. Some bacteria are good for us, some are not so good.

Some Other Causes of Bad Breath:

Treating Bad Breath

The key element in treating bad breath is determining the cause. A thorough review of your medical and dental health status starts the process. Once that is completed, a thorough examination is performed. After the likely cause is determined, appropriate treatment is started. For example, if excessive plaque and calculus has built up, inadequate oral hygiene and infrequent professional dental treatments are likely the culprits. Dr. Davis will set up one or more sessions to provide periodontal treatments [usually scaling and root planning or surgery], and then institute a regimen for you to follow at home to keep your mouth as clean and fresh as possible.

Types of Bad Breath

Chronic Bad Breath – when there is a constant malodor emanating from your mouth Transient Bad Breath – when a bad odor comes and goes. Examples: after eating a meal heavy in garlic and raw onions, morning breath, during and immediately after sucking on a zinc lozenge.