At Integrated Dental, Dr. Efthimios Koveos treats halitosis, or chronic bad breath, in his Sarasota, FL, dental office. Bad breath is a common dental concern that can make people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. While everyone may experience bad breath from time to time, chronic bad breath is often a sign of a deeper issue.
If your bad breath doesn’t go away after brushing or using mouthwash, it may be time to visit the dentist. Dr. Koveos and his caring team take a thorough and compassionate approach to treating halitosis so you can breathe easier and feel more confident.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath isn’t just from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. You can develop bad breath for many reasons. Many oral health issues can lead to chronic halitosis.
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles stay in your mouth and create a place for bacteria to grow. These bacteria release foul-smelling gases that can lead to bad breath. If you skip brushing your tongue, odor-causing bacteria can build up there as well.
Dry Mouth
Another common cause of halitosis is dry mouth. Saliva plays a big role in washing away food particles and bacteria. If your mouth is dry, especially when you wake up in the morning or after taking certain medications, you may notice stronger breath odors. Some health conditions, like sinus infections, acid reflux, or diabetes, can also cause bad breath. Smoking and tobacco use are additional contributors because they dry out your mouth and leave behind strong smells.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another major cause of chronic bad breath. Gum disease starts with a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause an infection in your gums. As gum disease progresses, the infection creates deep pockets between the teeth and gums, where bacteria can hide and release unpleasant odors. People with advanced gum disease often have bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing or rinsing.
Signs Your Bad Breath is a Dental Problem
Not all bad breath is related to the foods you eat. If you notice that your breath smells bad even after you brush, floss, or use mouthwash, it may be a sign of a dental problem. Another sign is a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away. Some people may also feel like their tongue is coated or sticky. These symptoms can point to a buildup of bacteria or plaque on your teeth or tongue.
If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss, or if your gums look red and swollen, this could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of bad breath, and it needs professional treatment to stop it from getting worse. You may also notice loose teeth, gum recession, or pain when chewing. These symptoms often go along with advanced gum disease, which requires immediate attention.
Dry mouth can also be a clue that your bad breath is caused by a dental issue. If you feel thirsty often or notice that your mouth feels sticky or dry throughout the day, your body may not be producing enough saliva. Certain medications, mouth breathing, or health problems can lead to dry mouth. If you’re not sure whether your breath problem is dental-related, a dental exam is the best way to find out.
Halitosis Treatment in Sarasota, FL
At Integrated Dental, we begin every halitosis treatment by listening to your concerns and performing a thorough exam. Dr. Koveos will check your teeth, gums, tongue, and throat for signs of plaque buildup, infection, or dry mouth. We may also ask you about your diet, daily habits, and medical history to better understand the root of the problem.
Brush and Floss
If poor oral hygiene is the cause, we’ll recommend ways to improve your brushing and flossing routine. Our team can also show you how to clean your tongue properly and suggest products like antibacterial mouth rinses or toothpaste designed for bad breath. In some cases, we may recommend a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t reach.
Gum Disease Treatment
If we find signs of gum disease, we’ll provide the appropriate treatment to remove infection and help your gums heal. Early gum disease, or gingivitis, can often be reversed with a deep cleaning and better home care. If the disease has progressed, we may recommend scaling and root planing. This treatment cleans deep beneath the gumline to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation. Treating gum disease not only helps eliminate bad breath but also protects your teeth and gums from further damage.
Lifestyle Changes
When dry mouth is contributing to halitosis, we may suggest saliva substitutes, sugar-free gum, or changes in medication (if possible) to help increase saliva flow. We’ll also give tips for staying hydrated throughout the day and avoiding things that make dry mouth worse, like alcohol and tobacco.
Treat Medical Conditions
If your bad breath is related to another health issue, like acid reflux or sinus problems, we may refer you to your doctor for follow-up care. We believe in a team-based approach to your health and will work with you to get to the bottom of the problem.
Most importantly, we want you to know that halitosis is a treatable condition. No one should feel ashamed to ask for help. Bad breath affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and it can often be improved quickly with the right care. At Integrated Dental, we offer judgment-free support and effective treatments tailored to your needs.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re struggling with bad breath, don’t wait to get the help you need. Halitosis can be a sign of deeper oral health issues that may get worse over time without treatment. At Integrated Dental, Dr. Efthimios Koveos and our friendly Sarasota dental team are here to help. Call 941-270-9755 to treat halitosis in Sarasota, FL. You can also request an appointment online.