Breath of Fresh Air
Halitosis or bad breath can be a cause of “social agony.” Many people
are too embarrassed to even talk because they have bad breath. Keeping
their breath fresh can be extremely difficult, but it is possible to put
an end to chronic halitosis!
The most common cause of halitosis is gum disease. Halitosis
starts when bacteria build up in the mouth. Bacteria-prone areas in the
mouth include the tongue, gums and teeth. Bacteria in these parts of the
mouth feed on food leftovers and cause a buildup of plaque, which in
turn causes gum disease. In addition, bacteria residing in the mouth
break down food and multiply. This causes the release of a foul odor,
characteristic of halitosis.
Even though halitosis can be cured with chewing gum, mints and
other similar products, these are not permanent cures! While these
strategies can mask the odor, they do not address the cause – gum
disease.
If the periodontal disease is in its early stages, a prescription
oral mouthwash such as Decapinol can be useful. Decapinol can stop the
ability of the bacteria to grow and multiply on the surface of the tooth
and inside the mouth. Other methods which help remove plaque include
root planning and scaling. However, advanced gum disease may require gum
surgery. This is because the tissue around the teeth becomes very
unhealthy and non-receptive to non-surgical treatment.
If you have the desire for fresh teeth and clean breath, don’t
settle for less! A simple trip to Dr. Cruz can give you the cure to gum
disease and your embarrassing bad breath. Treating and correcting gum
disease and practicing good oral hygiene can help you say “goodbye” to
chronic halitosis!
For a fresh approach to cool, clean breath, visit your neighborhood dentist, Mark Cruz, DDS.
