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Confidence Socializing
Bad Breath
 Bad
breath (halitosis) is unpleasant and embarrassing. Not
everyone is aware of their problem.
Bad breath can be caused by:
-
Poor oral
hygiene
-
Periodontal disease
-
Tooth
decay
-
Dry mouth
(Decreased saliva, Xerostomia) due to medications, salivary
gland problems or open-mouth breathing. Treatment can be
increased water intake, artificial saliva or sugarless
candy.
-
Tobacco,
which also causes stained teeth and increased risk of
periodontal disease
-
Odor-causing foods. Garlic and onion odor-causing compounds
enter the bloodstream, are transferred to the lungs where
they are exhaled and give bad breath.
-
People on
a diet resulting in an empty stomach with break down their
fat and protein reserve for energy, leading to bad breath.
-
Underlying medical conditions such as local respiratory
infection (nose, throat, lungs), chronic sinusitis, chronic
bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal-, liver- or kidney
problems.
There is
no need to suffer with chronic bad breath.
Let Dr. Hoffmeyer
help you find the cause of your halitosis.
 If it is due to
periodontal disease she will develop an effective home oral
care
plan for you including:
-
Brush your teeth properly (2-3 minutes 2-3 times a day)
-
Floss daily.
-
Clean your tongue (5 seconds 1-2 times a day) to remove
bacteria. Clean you tongue from the back towards the
tip. Use a “tongue scraper” or a toothbrush specially
designed with a tongue cleaner on the back.
-
Use anti-microbial mouthwash designed for halitosis
-
It may be recommended to use fluoride gel if you have
dry mouth and prone to dental caries.
-
Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleaning
and checkup.
-
Avoid constant use of breath mints containing sugar as
they have temporary effect and may cause decay.
Dr. Hoffmeyer has no
financial interest or special knowledge about the following
products, but the companies claim to have scientific
evidence of aiding in treating bad breath:
Please
see Oral Home Care page
  
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