Hello, my name is Dr. Harbpinder Shevchenko from Smiles by the Sea Family Dentistry, and I'm here to answer some of the questions about bad breath.
What is bad breath and how is it defined clinically?
One of the questions I commonly get asked is what is bad breath and what is it called clinically? Bad breath, as the name suggests, is a foul odor from the mouth, and clinically we call it halitosis.
What are the most common causes of bad breath?
Another question I get asked is what are the common causes of bad breath? A couple of common causes include gingival disease or gum disease. There's a more invasive gum disease that affects the underlying tooth structure, supporting the tooth and the bone. It could also be due to a lot of plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. When there's a lot of bacteria in the mouth, mostly odor-producing bacteria, and they are involved with some sort of disease, it could be limited to the gums or penetrate into the underlying substructure of the tooth, like bone and the ligament that holds the tooth in the bone.
What is halitosis and how is it different from just occasional bad breath?
Another question I get asked is what is halitosis and how is it different from occasional bad breath. Halitosis is a bad odor from the mouth and is usually constant. It develops over time and does not go away. Occasional bad breath occurs if food gets stuck in the mouth or if there is inflammation. Once someone cleans their teeth well, flosses, and uses mouthwash, the temporary bad breath, caused by packed food debris, usually disappears. Halitosis is induced by gum disease or involves the bone, while temporary bad breath comes from accumulated food debris and bacteria.
Can cavities or tooth decay cause bad breath?
Another question is can cavities or tooth decay cause bad breath? It depends. If someone has a lot of cavities and the tooth structure is worn out, food debris collects, leading to bad breath. A large cavity pocket may allow food to be packed, resulting in bacterial odor. So yes, large cavities where debris accumulates can lead to bad breath.
Can wisdom teeth contribute to bad breath?
Can wisdom teeth lead to bad breath? Yes, sometimes having wisdom teeth can lead to bad breath. Often, there's not enough room for wisdom teeth to fully emerge, making them difficult to clean. Debris and plaque can accumulate around them, producing odor. When wisdom teeth are emerging, swollen gums can collect debris, leading to bad breath.
Is it normal to have bad breath after a tooth extraction?
Is it normal to have bad breath after tooth extraction? Typically, you will not have bad breath after a tooth extraction. If healing is normal, there should be no odor. However, if debris accumulates during healing, it may cause a bad odor. Patients are instructed to keep the area clean. You may use mouthwash, and sometimes a prescription-strength antibacterial rinse is provided. If the extraction site heals well, you should not experience bad breath.
What dental treatments are available for bad breath?
What dental treatments are available for bad breath? Treatments vary based on the cause. If bad breath is due to gingival inflammation, professional cleanings with ultrasonic instrumentation, coupled with good hygiene at home, are recommended. Your hygienist or dentist might suggest additional aids like a Waterpik or interproximal brushes. If it stems from periodontal disease, which involves deeper infection, scaling and root planing may be necessary. More advanced cases might require laser-assisted programs or surgical intervention. Treatments depend on the severity of the disease causing bad breath.
Is it possible to get rid of bad breath permanently?
Is it possible to get rid of bad breath permanently? Yes, it is. As mentioned, bad breath is caused by bacterial buildup. Once you eliminate these bacteria through treatment and maintain strict hygiene—brushing twice daily, flossing, using interproximal brushes, and water picks—you can control the disease causing bad breath. With regular maintenance cleanings as advised by your dentist, you should be able to get rid of bad breath.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions about bad breath and halitosis. If you have any more questions, please feel free to visit us at our website www.smilesbythesea.com, or call us to set up an appointment at (603) 634-9445.