If you regularly suffer from bad breath, regardless of the foods you eat, Rancho Cucamonga dentist Sharon B. Mateja may be able to help. Chronic bad breath is often a sign of oral health issues, like gum disease or tooth decay. Dr. Mateja offers a variety of general dentistry treatments to improve oral health and treat bad breath. To find out which treatments are right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mateja. In the meantime, learn more about treating bad breath in this overview.

The Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath has many causes; some are as benign as the foods we eat, while others may indicate oral or general health issues. Bad breath caused by foods and drinks generally dissipates once the foods or drinks are fully digested. When bad breath occurs all the time, regardless of the types of food we eat, it may be a sign of oral health issues, like gum disease, or general health issues, like diabetes. The possible causes of bad breath include:

• Foods like garlic and onions
• Drinks like coffee and alcohol
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Oral yeast infections
• Dry mouth
• Poor oral hygiene
• Respiratory tract infections
• Bronchitis
• Acid reflux
• Diabetes
• Smoking

Bad Breath Treatments 

Treating bad breath begins with determining the cause. Dr. Mateja will perform a thorough dental exam to pinpoint the cause of your bad breath and develop a personalized treatment plan. Some treatments that can help reduce and eliminate bad breath include:

• Gum disease treatment: Gum disease is not only a culprit of bad breath, it can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Seek treatment for gum disease to reduce bad breath and improve oral health.
• Tooth decay treatment: Tooth decay is another cause of chronic bad breath. Treatments for tooth decay can help eliminate any associated bad breath and protect the teeth from further damage.
• Regular dental exams and professional cleanings: Regular dental exams and professional cleanings help keep the gums and teeth healthy, reducing the risk of oral infections and dental damage, which can cause bad breath.
• Seek treatment for general health issues: Bad breath caused by general health issues, like diabetes and respiratory tract infections, will require treatment of the underlying health issue.

Tips to Reduce Bad Breath

Though it's important to seek dental or medical treatment for the underlying causes of bad breath, you can help reduce the symptoms of bad breath with these tips:

• Avoid certain foods: Strong-smelling foods, such as those that contain garlic and onions, can cause bad breath. Avoid foods with strong odors to prevent bad breath.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals: Chewing minty, sugar-free gum after meals and between brushings can help remove food remnants from your teeth and mask bad breath.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Practicing proper oral hygiene removes plaque and leftover foods particles, and reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, all of which helps prevent bad breath.
• Stop smoking: Those who stop smoking often benefit from improved health and breath.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking water during and after meals can help improve breath by washing away bacteria and leftover food from the mouth.

Seek Treatment Today

Don't let bad breath ruin your day. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mateja for your personalized treatment plan.