Bad breath is a universal occurrence, and while it's unpleasant, the causes of bad breath are usually harmless and easily treated. If you're dealing with bad breath and are at your wit's end, the answers to the questions below should give you a good idea of how to begin addressing the issue.

What are Common Causes of Bad Breath?

Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, has a number of causes. From poor dental habits to foods you eat to medical issues, bad breath can happen for a variety of reasons.

If you're dealing with a sudden onset of bad breath, then the simple answer to your issue may be that your dental hygiene has become lax. Perhaps you aren't getting those hard to reach areas in your mouth, or maybe you've cut back on your usual flossing routine. Have you made any sudden changes in your life, such as picking up smoking? Or perhaps you've begun to eat more garlic than usual.

If your bad breath is persistent, however, you may be dealing with an underlying cause, such as gum disease, cavities, or even a yeast infection.  Such issues can usually not be battled with better dental hygiene alone and require the expert help of your dentist.

How Can My Dentist Help with Bad Breath?

If your bad breath has become a persistent issue, your dentist should be able to find the root cause and help you to battle the odor.

As mentioned above, certain causes of bad breath require intervention by a dental professional. Your dentist will not only be able to find the issue, but correct it as well, assuming it's in fact a dental issue and not medical. If gum disease is the root cause, for example, your dentist will likely inspect your gums to determine how far advanced it is, and then offer you treatment options, such as the use of a specialized mouth wash. If cavities seem to be the issue, then fillings (or extractions in extreme cases) can help to cure you of bad breath.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

So, what happens when your bad breath isn't caused by poor dental hygiene or a dental issue such as gum disease or cavities? At this point, it's important to set up an appointment with your physician.

There are a number of medical issues that can be present with bad breath, such as diabetes, acid reflux, and sinus infections. Even if bad breath is your only symptom, if a dental cause for bad breath hasn't been found, it's important to get a full medical work up done so that the root cause can be found. This means it's important not to ignore bad breath, but instead seek the help of your dentist, and if necessary, your primary care physician.

If you're dealing with bad breath that isn't cured by better dental hygiene habits, make an appointment to see your dentist today. For more imformation, visit a dentistry, like Mooresville Dental Care.