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| Dr Sarah Thompson DMD |

| Halitosis (Bad Breath) Have you or someone you know experienced one of the following?
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| What is halitosis? Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath. Identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition. What can Soft Touch Dentistry do to get rid of your bad breath? If the cause of the halitosis is caused by an underlying gum disease, the condition may be treated by Dr. Thompson -- in most cases, a periodontal cleaning often helps to remove the bacterial and plaque that has accumulated and is wearing down the gum line. Dr. Thompson may recommend a deep cleaning and an antimicrobial mouth rinse (a prescription mouth rinse). In addition, you may be given new oral health instructions to help maintain a mouth free of excess plaque and bacteria. What causes bad breath? There are just as many causes of bad breath as there are sources of bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the following: |
| Let Soft Touch Dentistry help cure your Bad Breath! |
| Sarah Thompson DMD |
| Soft Touch Dentistry 1214 Paragon Drive O'Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 622-5050 |
| Improper Cleaning of Dentures Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be collecting bacteria and remaining food particles, which cause bad breath. Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) One of the primary symptoms of this gum disease is foul, odorous breath, along with an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition requires immediate care by an oral health professional and, if treated soon enough, gum disease is completely reversible. Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) This condition is often a large contributor to halitosis. Characterized by a significant decrease in saliva production, the mouth is unable to cleanse itself and remove debris and particles left behind by food. Xerostomia may be caused by certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or by continuously breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Tobacco Products Not only do tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and snuff stain the teeth and put the body at risk for a host of diseases, but they also contribute to bad breath. Tobacco users also are at an increased risk for the following: periodontal disease, a loss of taste abilities, and irritated gums A Medical Condition Bad breath may be an indicator or symptom of any of the following conditions. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. |
| Poor Oral Health Care Without consistent brushing and flossing, along with routine examinations by a dentist, food remains in the mouth. This food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria; this bacteria consumes the food and produces waste products, which produce odorous breath. Food that is allowed to collect on the teeth, gums, and tongue may cause the gums to rot, which causes an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth. |
| Certain Foods The things you eat contribute largely to your oral health care, including your breath. Items such as garlic and onions, or any food, are absorbed into the bloodstream, become transferred into the lungs, and become expelled in the air you breathe. Until that food becomes eliminated by the body, the potential for it affecting a person's breath is present. |