Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, is a frequent “inconvenience” for most. Its origin is oral in 70% of cases. Dentists in Waikoloa make the diagnosis, provide effective treatment and, in some special cases, refer the patient to a colleague for treatment. All mouth odors are not bad; only those that are characterized by bad breath are problems. It is also necessary to distinguish between the person believed to have bad breath (psychiatric disease, neurological disorder) and the person that actually has halitosis.
The practitioner must truly examine their patient, undertaking an extensive investigation. The professional must offer an effective solution and will try to determine whether halitosis has an oral origin or not. There are plenty of causes concerning non-oral halitosis, including ENT disorders (sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.), digestive (gastrointestinal reflux, liver disorders and so on), lung issues (abscess or tumors), renal, endocrine (diabetes and menstrual disorders), metabolic (dehydration and the like), etc. These include the special cases where onion and garlic compounds are exhaled through the lungs and also includes tobacco users. Click here for more information.
Many bacteria, not necessarily pathogenic, present themselves in the oral cavity by degrading proteins (from food, saliva, buccal cells). Other odorous compounds are also involved. A clinical and radiological examination can distinguish:
- Gingivitis (gum inflammation) or periodontitis (deeper periodontal tissue damage with loss of tooth-supporting bone)
- Cavities and dental infections
- Inadequate, defective restorations that promote the retention of food debris
- Smells emitted by the tongue coating
What solutions are available to combat halitosis? First, Dentists in Waikoloa will dramatize, reassure and propose a suitable response that involves:
- Treating tooth decay, replacing defective restorations, performing periodontal treatment, removing plaque, etc.
- Improving oral hygiene by brushing, using dental floss, an irrigator, antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Make simple lifestyle changes like eating habits, try to stop smoking, drink more water throughout the day, especially right before bed.
- Therapeutic solutions are multiple and often curative.
Bad breath should no longer be regarded as a shameful and insoluble problem. The best way to fight this issue and its social consequences is to see your local dentist. Any dentist may, after questioning you and performing a precise examination, offer you sound treatment. For more information, contact Brian S. Kubo DDS today.
