Tackling Bad Breath

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Understanding Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes & How Your Hygienist Helps

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and affect your confidence. While occasional bad breath from certain foods is normal, persistent halitosis often signals an underlying issue. At Practice 32 in Colorado Springs, your dental hygienist can help identify potential causes and provide solutions for fresher breath as part of your preventive care.

Common Causes of Persistent Bad Breath

Several factors can contribute to halitosis:

  • Oral Bacteria: This is the most common culprit. Bacteria feed on food particles and dead cells in your mouth, releasing foul-smelling sulfur compounds. They thrive on the tongue, below the gumline, and between teeth.
  • Gum Disease: The bacteria associated with gingivitis and periodontitis produce strong odors.
  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva naturally cleanses the mouth. Reduced saliva flow allows bacteria and debris to accumulate, leading to bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, medical conditions, or mouth breathing.
  • Food Particles: Trapped food debris, especially between teeth or in dentures, can decay and cause odor.
  • Smoking & Tobacco Use: These habits cause characteristic bad breath and contribute to dry mouth and gum disease.
  • Medical Conditions: Less commonly, conditions like sinus infections, tonsil stones, acid reflux, diabetes, or liver/kidney problems can manifest as bad breath.

How Practice 32 Hygienists Address Bad Breath

Your dental hygienist plays a key role in diagnosing and treating bad breath originating in the mouth:

  • Thorough Cleanings: Removing plaque, tartar, and biofilm build-up through professional cleanings (including advanced GBT) eliminates a primary source of odor-causing bacteria.
  • Gum Health Assessment: Identifying and managing gum disease is crucial for addressing associated bad breath.
  • Tongue Cleaning Instruction: The tongue surface harbors significant bacteria. We can demonstrate effective tongue scraping or brushing techniques.
  • Home Care Optimization: We review your brushing and flossing habits to ensure you’re effectively removing plaque and food debris daily.
  • Identifying Dry Mouth: We look for signs of dry mouth and can discuss potential causes and management strategies (like hydration, saliva substitutes).

When to See a Dentist or Doctor

If your hygienist suspects the cause of bad breath is related to decay, faulty restorations, or a more complex dental issue, they will recommend a visit to a trusted Colorado Springs dentist for diagnosis and treatment. If a potential medical condition is suspected based on oral signs or your history, we will advise you to consult your physician. Effective treatment often involves coordinating care between your hygienist, potentially a general dental practice, and your medical doctor.

Achieve Fresher Breath in Colorado Springs

Don’t let bad breath hold you back. Regular professional hygiene care is fundamental to addressing mouth-related causes of halitosis.

Contact Practice 32 at 719-427-4733 to schedule your cleaning and discuss any concerns about bad breath. Let us help you achieve a healthier, fresher smile!


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Lisa.
Lisa.★★★★★

I highly recommend Practice 32. Olivia is very knowledgeable. She has state of the art equipment and takes the time to explain what she is doing, explains how to properly floss and how to take the best care of your teeth. Very different from any other teeth cleaning I’ve ever experienced! Definitely check out Practice 32!

Jerome
Jerome★★★★★

When I went to Practice 32, I found Olivia to be very professional and friendly. The office was immaculate, beautifully decorated and calming. Olivia spent more time than any other dental hygienist I had been to explaining her process and how to better care for my teeth…

Joe
Joe★★★★★

Not only are my teeth super clean, I learned so much in how to properly clean my teeth. Trust me, I thought I knew what I was doing but Olivia showed me the way!! If you want great care and knowledge, go see Olivia. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

Michelle
Michelle★★★★★

This was the most pleasant and relaxing dental cleaning that I’ve ever had. Olivia was patient and kind, and explained the process and the equipment. I found it both interesting and informative! I appreciate that she was also able to take X-rays, which can be sent to my new dentist. Olivia will be my hygienist from here on out. Thank you!

Rose
Rose★★★★★

Olivia is a wonderful! This is the first time I’ve used the guided biofilm therapy, and my teeth felt so much cleaner than a traditional cleaning. Highly recommend!

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Olivia and her team are amazing. This was my 2nd visit to Practice 32 and their welcoming environment, coupled with their professional dental care make it very easy for me to highly recommend them.
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