When bacteria builds up around teeth and gums, it can cause bad breath.
What is Chronic Bad Breath?
To put it simply, chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis is when your breath persistently gives off a foul odor. Suffering from the condition can be embarrassing and negatively impact your self-confidence. Luckily, chronic bad breath can easily be treated by Dr. Hancock.
Why Treat Halitosis?
Although it is a common and often simple problem, if it is not treated, it can cause gum inflammation, gum recession, and tooth loss. In some cases, bad breath can indicate a more serious health problem. If you are experiencing unrelenting bad breath, it is important to schedule a visit with Dr. Hancock as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent further damage to your oral health.
Common Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Halitosis can be caused by a variety of factors. However, the condition is typically attributed to:
- Bacterial build up around your teeth, gums, and tongue
- Decaying teeth or infected gums caused by plaque build-up
- Certain foods like garlic and onions that cause bad breath as they break down in your mouth
Medical conditions can also lead to the chronic bad breath, including:
- Sinus infections
- Throat and respiratory infections
- Blood sugar fluctuations associated with diabetes
- Acid reflux
Additionally, halitosis may also be a symptom of severe health conditions such as cancer as well as liver or kidney failure.
Dr. Hancock's Treatment
To treat your chronic bad breath, Dr. Hancock must first determine the underlying issue causing your condition. If it is related to an oral health problem, he can then plan your custom treatment. For patients with gum disease, he can perform a gentle deep cleaning procedure. This procedure is performed using specialized tools to rid your gums of any pockets of bacteria that are causing your bad breath.
If tooth decay is to blame, he can provide a filling, crown, or root canal therapy as needed. We offer comprehensive general and restorative dental care to address bad breath and related conditions to restore your oral health and provide relief.
Preventing Chronic Bad Breath at Home
Preventing chronic bad breath at home can be as easy as:
- Regularly flossing and brushing
- Avoiding certain foods
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoiding tobacco products
These simple habits can greatly reduce your chance of experiencing chronic bad breath or from developing it again. If you are not at home or are unable to get to the dentist as soon as you would like, mints, chewing gum, and other similar products are possible temporary solutions. However, they only conceal the symptoms and cannot address the underlying issues.
We offer comprehensive dental care to address bad breath and related conditions to restore your oral health and provide the relief you desire.
Set Up an Appointment Today
Chronic bad breath requires immediate care from your dentist. If you notice an abnormal odor or are concerned about your dental health, contact us online or call us at (615) 383-0132 to schedule a visit. Dr. Hancock’s main priority is to ensure you and your family are well taken care of in a comfortable and relaxing environment.