Treatment for Bad Breath | Dentist in Berkeley, CA

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. Anthony Dailley 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. Anthony Dailley and his 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. Dailley 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. Dailley to create a tailored treatment plan to eliminate bad breath at the source.

Treatments

During your breath evaluation, Dr. Dailley examines your mouth, teeth, and gums to uncover potential sources of odor-causing bacteria. He 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. Dailley’s customized treatment plans successfully eliminate halitosis. Follow-up appointments confirm your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What techniques can I implement at home to help treat my halitosis?

Are there any dental procedures that can cure halitosis?

What results can I expect with halitosis treatment?

How long does treatment for halitosis take?

What techniques can I implement at home to help treat my halitosis?

Tongue scraping, antibacterial mouthwash, sugar-free gum or mints, staying hydrated, a soft bristle toothbrush, flossing, and cleaning oral appliances are recommended. Avoiding trigger foods, alcohol, coffee, and smoking are also beneficial.

Are there any dental procedures that can cure halitosis?

Yes, some common procedures include gum disease treatment like scaling and root planing for plaque removal, decay removal, tooth extractions if necessary, and fitting oral appliances for sleep apnea, which allows proper oxygen intake at night.

What results can I expect with halitosis treatment?

Most patients report significant improvement or complete resolution of bad breath after one or two visits. Creating and adhering to a customized treatment plan, along with maintaining diligent oral hygiene provides long-lasting relief.

How long does treatment for halitosis take?

You will notice a reduction in halitosis immediately after cleaning and tongue scraping. However, addressing gum disease, oral infections, cavities, and medical issues take longer to resolve. Most patients report relief within one to two months.

Get Relief from Embarrassing Bad Breath

Suffering from bad breath can negatively impact your quality of life. Don’t let halitosis make you uncomfortable socially. Our experienced dentists at Dailley Dental Care in Berkeley, CA, provide compassionate care and successful treatment plans for fresh breath. Patients from Berkeley, Emeryville, and the greater Oakland areas can call 510-848-0114 today to schedule a consultation.