Are you embarrassed around others because of bad breath? Do bad odors continue even after you brush and floss? Dr. Rachel Barone treats bad breath, or halitosis, in Boulder, CO.
Halitosis differs from morning breath or breath that smells a little after eating something strong like garlic or onions. Bad breath is a dental concern that doesn’t go away just by brushing your teeth or popping a mint. If you’ve been dealing with bad breath for a while, it might be a sign of a bigger issue with your oral health.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
There are several reasons why someone might have bad breath. Some are simple, and others may need professional dental care. Here are the most common causes:
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss every day, food particles can get stuck between your teeth and along the gum line. These bits of food can break down and cause a bad smell. On top of that, bacteria in your mouth feed on the leftover food and release foul-smelling gases. If you skip flossing, bacteria can build up in places your toothbrush can’t reach, making things worse.
Gum Disease
Bad breath that doesn’t go away can be a warning sign of gum disease. Gum disease starts with plaque buildup, which can lead to swollen, bleeding gums. As the infection worsens, it creates spaces between your teeth and gums that trap more bacteria and odor. If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, along with bad breath, it’s time to see the dentist.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Your saliva helps clean your mouth and wash away food and bacteria. But if your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva, those germs can build up and cause bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, health conditions, or simply breathing through your mouth too much. Drinking water and using sugar-free gum or special rinses can sometimes help—but if the problem continues, you should talk to your dentist.
Foods and Drinks
Some foods are just naturally strong-smelling. Onions, garlic, spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol are all known to leave behind a smell in your mouth, even after brushing. These smells can also come back through your lungs after you digest the food. Mints or brushing might only help for a short time.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco all leave strong smells in your mouth. Tobacco also dries out your mouth and can cause gum disease, making bad breath even worse. Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your breath and overall health.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes, bad breath is caused by medical problems outside your mouth. These can include sinus infections, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, diabetes, or problems with your liver or kidneys. If we rule out dental causes and the bad breath continues, we may recommend you see your doctor to check for health conditions.
Signs You May Need Professional Treatment
It can be hard to tell if your breath smells bad. But there are some signs you can look out for:
- People step away when you talk
- You notice a bad taste in your mouth
- You have dry mouth often
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You get a white or yellow coating on your tongue
- Brushing and mouthwash don’t fix the smell for long
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a visit with Dr. Rachel Barone in Boulder, CO. We’ll help figure out what’s causing the problem and how to fix it.
Bad Breath Treatment in Boulder, CO
At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we take bad breath seriously. Dr. Barone will discuss your symptoms and check your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of infection or disease. Depending on what we find, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments for halitosis in our Boulder, CO office:
Professional Dental Cleaning
If your bad breath is caused by plaque or tartar buildup, a professional cleaning may be all you need. We’ll clean around your teeth and under your gums to remove bacteria that cause odors.
Gum Disease Treatment
If we find signs of gum disease, we’ll suggest a deep cleaning treatment called scaling and root planing. This removes bacteria from below the gum line and helps your gums heal. Keeping your gums healthy with periodontal disease treatment can reduce bad breath and protect your teeth.
Saliva Boosters for Dry Mouth
If you have dry mouth, we may suggest using special rinses or products that help boost saliva production. You can also drink more water and chew sugar-free gum to improve saliva production.
At-Home Care
How you care for your mouth at home can help reduce halitosis in addition to halitosis treatment in our Boulder, CO, office. To keep bad breath at bay, you can:
Brush and Floss Thoroughly
One of the best ways to fight bad breath is to brush and floss every day. When you eat, tiny food particles can get stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. If these aren’t cleaned away, they can break down and cause odor.
Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget to brush along the gumline. Floss once a day to remove bits of food and plaque between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Good brushing and flossing habits reduce the bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Clean Your Tongue
Your tongue holds a lot of bacteria, especially near the back where it’s harder to reach. These bacteria can release smelly gases that cause bad breath.
Use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Start at the back of your tongue and gently pull forward. Be sure to rinse the scraper or brush between strokes. If you’re unsure how to clean your tongue properly, we can show you the best way during your dental visit.
Use Mouth Rinses and Toothpaste
Not all mouth rinses and toothpastes are the same. Some only cover up smells without treating the cause of bad breath. We can recommend antibacterial mouth rinses that help reduce the number of germs in your mouth. Special toothpastes with active ingredients can fight plaque, tartar, and bacteria, offering longer-lasting freshness.
These products are usually stronger than what you find at the store. We’ll make sure they’re safe and effective for your specific needs.
Schedule an Appointment
Bad breath can make you feel embarrassed, anxious, or uncomfortable around others. But you don’t have to live with it. Dr. Barone is here to help you find the cause of your bad breath and give you the tools to fix it.
If you’re struggling with halitosis in Boulder, CO, call us today at 720-881-0614. Feel free to request an appointment online.