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More than just a lifestyle problem!
More than 90 million people struggle with chronic bad breath. Typically, poor oral hygiene habits leave decaying food particles, other debris, and bacteria in the mouth. These conditions produce volatile sulfur compounds just like those found in rotten eggs, resulting in foul-smelling breath. Chewing gum, mints, and normal mouthwash won't cure halitosis.
Bad breath is also one of the main symptoms of a serious underlying periodontal condition: gum disease. Many patients who come to us for help with halitosis don’t realize they actually have some form of gum disease. Although gum disease is terribly pervasive, it's also preventable. When you visit our office because of halitosis, we will carefully check for the warning signs of gum disease: red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, gums pulling away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, bite changes, and/or a change in the fit of partial dentures. If gum disease exists, treating it may also cure your halitosis.
Internal infections, diabetes, kidney failure, liver malfunction, and radiation treatment for cancer can contribute to halitosis. Lifestyle conditions such as stress, dieting, snoring, advancing age, and hormonal changes may also stimulate bad breath.
Dr. Mason uses a Halimeter to assess halitosis with a scientific reading. This informaton helps her determine the best course of treatment for each case.
Hygiene, Rinses, & Relationships
Regardless of the cause, bad breath is treatable even if it is not associated with gum disease. First, institute effective oral hygiene: regular professional cleanings, brushing twice each day, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning. Effective tongue cleaning with a specially designed scraper will remove bacterial build-up 10 times more effectively than a toothbrush. If meticulous hygiene is insufficient for eliminating bad breath, invest in a professional breath kit such as Oxyfresh Oral Health System, which includes a specially formulated toothpaste, a chlorine-stabilized rinse that destroys those odorous volatile sulfur compounds for up to 5 hours, and tongue scraper. Most people notice an immediate improvement. And better breath could mean better relationships! Schedule Your Visit Today!
Dr. Erika Mason and our team will exceed your expectation of excellence! Call today to schedule a personal consultation, and we’ll take time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your smile and oral health, then work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that addresses all of your unique needs. Located in Midlothian, VA, our practice serves patients from all of the surrounding communities.
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