Custom Bad Breath Solutions
Having bad breath can make you self-conscious and prevent you from feeling confident in social situations. At Dailley Dental Care, we understand how much this can impact your life. We want you to know that you don’t have to put up with halitosis anymore. Dr. Nguyen in Berkeley, CA, has helped hundreds of people successfully treat stubborn bad breath through customized treatment plans.
No matter what’s currently contributing to your bad breath – gum disease, oral infections, food triggers, smoking, or medical issues – we have solutions. And we’ll be there every step of the way, answering your questions, providing adjustments, and confirming your results. Let us help end your struggle with halitosis, call us at 510-848-0114.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an unpleasant odor from the mouth and can be a source of social anxiety or embarrassment. At Dailley Dental Care in Berkeley, CA, Dr. Nguyen and her team understand the discomfort halitosis can cause and provide customized treatment plans to eliminate chronic bad breath.
Halitosis is caused by sulfur compounds produced by bacteria in the mouth. Certain foods, smoking, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, tongue coatings, medical conditions, and more can cause excess bacteria growth, leading to foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds mixing with exhaled breath. Identifying the source of the odor is key in Dr. Dailley’s halitosis treatment plans in Berkeley, CA.
Causes of Halitosis
During your initial visit at Dailley Dental Care, Dr. Nguyen performs a breath odor evaluation to determine what’s causing the halitosis. Common causes include:
- Food – Onions, garlic, spices, and more get absorbed into the bloodstream and release odors through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can also contribute.
- Smoking – Smoking allows nicotine and tar to accumulate on teeth and gums, leading to increased bacteria growth.
- Dry Mouth – Saliva naturally washes away food debris and bacteria. Lack of saliva allows odor-causing bacteria to grow.
- Gum Disease – Inflamed gums provide the anaerobic environment bacteria need to produce volatile sulfur compounds, resulting in bad breath.
- Tongue Coating – The porous surface of the tongue easily harbors bacteria that cause foul odors.
- Tooth Decay – Food debris gets trapped in dental caries and between teeth, purifying and releasing unpleasant gases.
- Throat Infections – Post nasal drip from sinus infections or swollen tonsils provide bacteria a place to multiply.
- Medical Conditions – Diabetes, liver, or kidney disease may be associated with halitosis. Gastroesophageal reflux and low-carb diets can too.
Pinpointing what aspects cause your halitosis allows Dr. Nguyen to create a tailored treatment plan to eliminate bad breath at the source.
Treatments
During your breath evaluation, Dr. Nguyen examines your mouth, teeth, and gums to uncover potential sources of odor-causing bacteria. She asks detailed questions about your oral hygiene routine, diet, medications, and health conditions. Then, he creates a treatment plan specifically for you, which may include:
- Oral hygiene instructions
- Tongue scraping demonstrations
- Prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses
- Diet adjustment recommendations
- Sugar-free gum or lozenges to increase saliva flow
- Antibiotics for infections
- Appliances for sleep apnea/sinus problems
- Gum disease treatment – deep cleanings, antibiotics, surgery
- Cavity repair & extractions if decay is present
Treatments focus on the existing halitosis, as well as prevention for long-term relief from bad breath in Berkeley, CA. With diligent oral hygiene and lifestyle changes, Dr. Nguyen’s customized treatment plans successfully eliminate halitosis. Follow-up appointments confirm your results.