Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath is no fun, and we at Dr. Joseph Dallesandro’s Midtown dental office don’t want you to suffer from it either. That’s not just because we’re the ones who clean your mouth; halitosis could also be a sign of an oral health problem.

When bacteria build up inside the mouth, it produces a foul odor. You doubtlessly knew that any food in your mouth that doesn’t become food for you becomes food for bacteria, but you may not have known that bacteria lurk on the tongue, as well as the teeth. There, they can eat nasal discharge when the patient has a stuffed or runny nose. They may also grow on oral appliances such as night guards, or in between an implanted denture and the gum line if the patient can’t clean properly.

Sometimes, food doesn’t have to be in the mouth to cause bad breath. Garlic and onions cause halitosis by releasing chemicals into the patient’s bloodstream that eventually wind up in the lungs. They, as well as red meat, alcohol, and caffeine can also trigger acid reflux, which allows acidic gas into the mouth. People with diabetes have elevated levels of sugar in their saliva, which could fuel bacteria growth. Any food or drink that causes dry mouth will also cause bad breath, since ordinary saliva is crucial to removing food debris. For that reason, one of the best defenses against halitosis is to drink lots of water.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Handling Halitosis

Bad breath is embarrassing, especially when you aren’t the first to notice. Also known as halitosis, bad breath isn’t typically a problem unless it becomes chronic. Chronic bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. It can also be a result of dry mouth, dental problems such as gum disease, or an underlying medical condition. If your bad breath has you feeling self-conscious, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS to get the problem under control.

Certain foods such as garlic and onions can leave a person with bad breath but that can typically be cured by a breath mint. Proper brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that become trapped between teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum can control the odor, but it’s best to visit Dr. Dallessandro for a more permanent solution. He can answer any questions you may have regarding treatment.  

If you have questions or concerns about halitosis, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Beat Bad Breath

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This promotes bad breath and it can be embarrassing in social situations and additionally cause lack of self-esteem. Medically called halitosis, bad breath can not only result from poor dental hygiene, it may also be a sign of other health problems. This is why it’s important to schedule regular dental exams with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro to keep your mouth healthy and rule out serious medical conditions.

In most cases, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro can treat the cause of bad breath, but prevention is always key. In addition to visiting our office twice a year, you should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too. It also helps to rinse with a bacterial mouthwash at least twice a day. Always remember to floss so that you reach places where the toothbrush can’t reach.

If you suffer from bad breath, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.