HOME ABOUT US SERVICES DENTAL EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT BLOG VIDEOS CONTACT US 704-543-7001 HALITOSIS: RISK FACTORS, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT Dentists define halitosis, or bad breath, as an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. The condition can have significant physical health and social implications. Read on to find out more about halitosis and what you can do about it. Risk Factors for Bad Breath Many risk factors can cause bad breath in dental care patients. Some of the most common include smoking, diet, and poor oral hygiene. Diet: Some foods like garlic, onions, cheese, and fish, can momentarily cause bad breath. However, dentists are concerned about food lodged in the teeth as they encourage bacteria to accumulate. Your dentist may propose cleaning the teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Tobacco Products: Both chewing and smoking tobacco can increase the risk of developing unpleasant breath. You can stop bad breath by quitting the habit. Dental care may be necessary to restore the health of your gums and teeth. Dental Hygiene: When you skip brushing and flossing your teeth, you increase the risk of tartar and plaque. The buildup of calculus can also trigger gum diseases. If you are looking for a family dentist in Charlotte, contact Caldwell Bills and Petrilli Dentistry, and our team can help. Halitosis and Physiological Factors Some physiological factors may cause unpleasant breath besides food, tobacco, and dental hygiene. Some of them include: Morning Breath: Having an unpleasant breath as soon as you wake up is quite common. It happens when the saliva production stops at night while you are asleep. Pregnancy: Nausea, morning sickness, medication, and hormonal changes increase the risk of halitosis during pregnancy. Symptoms of Bad Breath Bad breath has many causes, and so the symptoms are going to vary depending on the person. Some cases are temporary and will disappear after some time. But if you notice the following symptoms, you may want to consult a family dentist. Dry Mouth: Dehydration can increase the risk of bad breath. If you consistently struggle with dry mouth, you should consult a dentist. Change in Taste: Another symptom is when you notice changes in taste when you eat food. Tongue Coating: A white coating on your tongue could be a sign of a dry mouth or a physiological condition. Treatment for Bad Breath When you have chronic bad breath, the first step is to see a dentist. If the dentist does not find an issue with your oral health, you will be referred to a specialist. The kind of specialized care you will receive will depend on the cause of the condition. When to See Your Dentist Halitosis may indicate you have some developing oral health or physiological problem. Watch out for signs such as high fever, sores in the mouth, and a coating on the tongue. If you have any of those symptoms, consider talking to a family dentist first before you can decide the next step. Halitosis could have underlying factors that will eventually cause oral health complications such as gingivitis or gum disease. That’s why it is advisable to visit Caldwell Bills and Petrilli Dentistry regularly to prevent further complications. SHARE THIS Previous Post Bring Out a Brilliant, Confident Smile with Veneers Dental Tips Next Post Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Best for Me? Dental Tips RELATED POSTS Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Best for Me? Bring Out a Brilliant, Confident Smile with Veneers Dental Cavities: Symptoms, Signs and Risk Factors Harmful Foods to Limit in Your Diet RECENT POSTS Signs Of Brushing Too Hard – What To Look For Mouthwash: How Does It Actually Help Your Teeth? Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Best for Me? Halitosis: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Bring Out a Brilliant, Confident Smile with Veneers CATEGORIES Dental Procedures Dental Tips Oral Health Practice News and Events 704-543-7001 Call or Text smiles@cbpdentistry.com 7800 Providence Rd, Ste. 205 Charlotte, NC 28226 Open Mon-Thurs: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | Friday: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | Notice of Privacy © Caldwell, Bills & Petrilli - Designed By DG We are open and serving patients! We are taking extra precautions and following all CDC guidelines to ensure a safe environment for our staff and patients. Please note - masks are required in the office. Close