Despite being a common punch line, bad breath is no joke to those who experience it. In addition to the embarrassment of always knowing your breath smells, there’s also the frustration of failing to rid yourself of it, no matter how many remedies you try. The more you try such remedies, the longer it can take you to seek treatment and finally find the right solution. If your bad breath is consistent, then professional dental treatment may be the only way to address what’s causing it and finally free yourself from its grasp.
It’s never benign (even if temporary)
One of the biggest misconceptions about bad breath is that it’s nothing to worry about. When it first develops, it’s even easier to write off as no concern. However, the truth is that bad breath is never a harmless occurrence. Even minor, temporary instances of bad breath (such as morning breath) are the result of harmful oral bacteria accumulating on your teeth, gums, and tongue. If you don’t brush your teeth in the morning, your breath would remain bad for the rest of the day.
It doesn’t always go away
In more serious cases of chronic bad breath, even brushing and flossing your teeth may not eliminate the odor. This may be because it’s caused by more than just an accumulation of plaque. For example, if plaque hardens into tartar, you won’t be able to remove the oral bacteria within it using your toothpaste and water. Only professional dental cleaning can remove it, and only a professional dental exam can help determine if there’s more than just tartar to worry about. For instance, chronic bad breath may be a symptom of a condition that has already developed, such as a tooth infection (tooth decay), gum disease, or more.
It will only get worse if you ignore it
Unless it’s the result of something you’ve eaten recently, like garlic or onions, your bad breath will only get worse the longer you ignore it or fail to correctly treat it. Beyond brushing and flossing your teeth, you should also visit your dentist on a routine basis (at least once every six months) to keep plaque and tartar under tight control. If you have an infected tooth or gum tissues, then seeking treatment as soon as possible will be necessary to alleviate its symptoms, including bad breath, and restoring your good oral health.
We’ll help you solve your bad breath problem
Chronic bad breath is no laughing matter, and if you ignore it long enough, it could lead to more serious trouble for your oral health. For more information, schedule a visit by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY, today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
