Treating Bad Breath in Aliso Viejo: Addressing the Underlying Cause

Bad breath can force you to avoid social interactions and weaken your self-esteem. Also, it can indicate oral health issues. Usually, bad breath results from the buildup of bacteria in your mouth and can mean the development of dental cavities or oral health diseases. If you believe you have a bad breath, there are steps you can take to address it. Practicing proper oral hygiene and seeking regular dental cleaning and dental care in Aliso Viejo are key to keeping your breath smelling great. Also, these practices prevent harmful bacteria from compromising your oral health. 

Common Causes of Bad Breath

You can have bad breath due to different causes. To effectively treat bad breath, the underlying cause of this condition should be identified and addressed. 

• Plaque buildup. Plaque is bacteria that accumulate in your mouth and produce a bad odor. Usually, plaque can build up if you do not practice proper oral hygiene. To fight this buildup, brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each time and floss your teeth. Also, use mouthwash and brush your teeth after each meal. If you cannot brush your teeth after every meal, use water to rinse your mouth and wash bacteria away. 
• Dry mouth. While saliva is mainly water, it contains electrolytes, white blood cells, mucus, antimicrobial agents, enzymes, and epithelial cells that support your oral health. It washes dead cells and food particles away and neutralizes plaque acids. So, without enough saliva, plaque, dead cells, and food particles can linger in your mouth. This is the reason bad breath is a symptom of dry mouth. Your dentist can diagnose dry mouth, identify the cause, and recommend treatment. 
• Gum disease and infection. Gum disease, infection, or tooth decay can cause bad breath. These conditions must be addressed by a dentist. Treatment for these conditions depends on their severity but may include mediation, teeth cleanings, a disease management plan, or surgery. If you have undergone tooth extraction or sustained a soft tissue injury in the mouth and you experience bad breath, this could indicate an infection. Thus, see your dentist immediately. If this is accompanied by fever, the infection may have spread and medical help should be sought. 

Importance of Dental Cleanings

Regular oral hygiene and care at home eliminate plaque. But regular in-office dental cleanings are also necessary. Dental cleanings can get rid of plaque that may have developed between your teeth and around the gum line. Also, they can build up in areas you cannot reach during brushing and flossing. Your dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth to eliminate more bacteria than you can on your own. Usually, teeth cleanings are performed alongside dental examinations, which allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and offer timely interventions if necessary. Regular dental examinations help you keep your mouth healthy, minimize the presence of harmful mouth bacteria, and keep you informed about your oral health. 

Treatment for Bad Breath

The following are dental procedures and treatments to address bad breath:

• Cavity treatment. Tooth decay and cavity formation increase your risk of plaque, stuck food particles, and bacteria. These elements could lead to bad breath. To prevent cavities from growing, your dentist can use dental fillings. 
• Deep gum cleaning. Deep pockets may develop in your gums and increase the bacteria population in your mouth. Routine cleaning may not be able to eliminate the buildup underneath your gums. This is where deep gum cleaning comes into the picture.
• Tongue scraping. The bacteria in your tongue can cause bad breath. Aside from your routine tongue brushing, you may need professional deep tongue scraping to eliminate the bad-breath-causing bacteria in your mouth. 
• Antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash. If your mouth is prone to the buildup of bacteria, your dentist may recommend using an antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash.