Who treats bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) is an unpleasant condition that can be cause for embarrassment. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Although bad breath is not usually serious, it can be an indicator of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss to clean between teeth.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is almost always caused by poor oral hygiene, so the best person to treat it is you.

Follow the standard dental advice: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, brush or scrape your tongue, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Stop using tobacco products,  which can cause bad breath.

If you're faithful about caring for your teeth and don't smoke yet still have bad breath, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. You may need treatment for gum disease or other dental problems. Bad breath can also signal a health problem that  could be as simple as  such as a sinus infection or as serious as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease. If you can't find a dental reason for your bad breath, make an appointment with your doctor.