Will a dental cleaning get rid of bad breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing. So, what causes bad breath? It is one thing when you know the culprit, like eating garlic or onions, but what happens when regular brushing and flossing doesn't help persistent oral odor. Plaque is one of the biggest causes of bad breath. Plaque buildup on your teeth harbors harmful and smelly bacteria. Professional dental cleaning with a dentist or hygienist in Chester Springs, PA can combat plaque buildup and bad breath so that you can have fresh breath again. Read on to learn more from the Byers Station Dental team on the importance of having a dental cleaning and dental exams to knock out both of these oral health issues.

What causes bad breath?

In most cases, the cause of bad breath is what you're eating. Like garlic or onions, odorous foods can cause bad breath as they pass through your body. Tobacco use can also cause a very distinct oral odor. Persistent bad breath can signify a more significant dental issue, like gum disease, caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Poor oral hygiene allows for harmful bacteria or plaque to form, leading to bad breath or worse, like gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause damage to the gums, bone structure and even lead to tooth loss. Our dental experts at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA will educate patients and manage their oral health needs to kick persistent bad breath to the curb.

Will a teeth cleaning help with bad breath?

Routine dental cleanings are recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) every six months, or at least once a year, to remove harmful tartar and plaque buildup for healthy teeth and gums. Even though daily brushing and flossing work to keep a person's mouth healthier, plaque can still grow. Plaque and bad breath can go hand-in-hand, so regular visits to the dentist combined with good oral hygiene habits at home can give you fresh breath. Regular dental cleanings can also:

• Prevent tooth decay or cavities
• Brighten your smile
• Stop tooth loss from gum disease
• Lower your risk for medical conditions, like stroke or heart disease
• Help keep your mouth odor-free and healthy
• Help patients avoid more costly dental procedures in the future

Can a dentist fix bad breath?

If you're experiencing chronic bad breath, even after brushing and flossing, a good first step is to visit one of our dental experts at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA. It may be a simple adjustment to using your toothbrush or flossing technique to clean your teeth to improve your oral care routine at home. If you experience bad breath even after a dental cleaning at Byers Station Dental, we can refer you to a physician to get to the bottom of your halitosis. Either way, patients shouldn't ignore a problem with chronic bad breath as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Our dental team at Byers Station Dental understands that chronic bad breath can be an embarrassing subject for some patients, but we're happy to help you find a solution and discuss your oral hygiene needs, so you have fresh breath again. Routine dental cleanings are imperative to have proper oral hygiene and a healthy smile. Preventive dentistry treatments every six months or yearly are necessary to have healthy gums and teeth, reducing your risk of developing more serious dental concerns. To schedule your next dental exam and cleaning with Byers Station Dental, contact our office in Chester Springs, PA to talk to one of our team members today.