Treatment of Bad Breath

Bad Breath, Highlands Ranch Dentist, Denver Dentist

Bad breath may be from dental problems or...it may be due from other causes. Bad breath  (a.k.a. halitosis) is often treatable. Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp Highlands Ranch dentists work with their patients to help them eliminate this.

There are several causes of bad breath including dental and non dental causes and include but is not limited to:

• Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Cavities and other oral infections
• Smoking
• Aromatic foods like garlic and onions
• Milk and milk by products
• Stomach or intestinal problems
• Poor home care
• Other medical problems

Dental treatment of bad breath

Reducing or eliminating bad breath includes reducing the bacterial count found on your tongue, teeth and gums. Because of its large surface area with numerous grooves and places for bacteria to hide.... the tongue is a good place to start. Bacteria and fermenting food can hide in the fissures on your tongue and decompose creating that "special" odor.  In most instances these are anaerobic bacteria (grow without oxygen). The key is mechanically removing them and getting rid of the anaerobic bacteria.  For the tongue our Highlands Ranch dental office recommends using a tongue scraper combining with glyoxide or a diluted hydrogen peroxide mix as a rinse.  Your tongue should be pink and the white film on it is this plaque that may be contributing to your bad breath.

Certainly periodontal disease is a major cause of breath malodor.  Removing the bacteria can help.  Many of these sulfur producing bacteria can be removed by a dental cleaning. Our Highlands Ranch dental office has found that reducing or even better yet stopping smoking is an important element in the treatment of bad breath.

While the causes of bad breath can be from dental conditions it is not the only source of this embarrassing problem. There is no downside to having a healthy mouth so consider this first... and then if still persistent... look at other sources.

Highlands Ranch dentist, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp work with their patients in reducing or eliminating bad breath.  The causes can be varied so we need to work together to solve this problem. The Dr's DeLapp also work on dental patients living and working in Denver, Parker, Ken Caryl, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, as well as Douglas County.  Please call their Highlands Ranch Dental office for an appointment today at (303) 694-9740.