Nearly everyone has had a case of halitosis (bad breath) at least once or twice in their lifetime. It can be one of the most embarrassing moments of your life when you are young, and unpleasant but not nearly as embarrassing when you are older. As people get older, they learn to use all of the many different options that exist for the sole purpose of making bad breath less noticeable. Some of these remedies include mouthwash, breath mints, gum designed for dry mouth, and gum in general. Is that enough to deal with bad breath or should you make an appointment with your Las Vegas dentist?

What Are Some of the Common Causes of Bad Breath?

In all honesty, some of the causes of halitosis are serious dental issues that should be addressed by your dentist, especially if the odor is persistent and entirely unpleasant. If any of the following reasons are responsible for your bad breath, it is going to take more than a simple pack of gum to resolve it.

• Cavities: Tooth decay can cause an odor, particularly if the damaged portion of the tooth is filled with debris and bacteria. Once the cavity is repaired, the odor should go away.
• Dry Mouth: If your mouth isn’t producing a sufficient supply of saliva, you can develop dry mouth, which often results in bad breath. Your dentist can provide you with strategies to help reduce this problem.
• Gum Disease: If your gums have been damaged through the buildup of plaque and tartar, a bad odor can occur. Treating the gum disease should help to minimize the odor resulting from this disease.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Failure to brush your teeth properly and regularly can lead to a buildup of bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Incorporating a regular routine of brushing and flossing should help to eliminate the odor.

If you are experiencing bad breath frequently, it’s a real problem. You should make an appointment with your dentist for a full exam and cleaning. Schedule an appointment soon!