What Is Halitosis, and What Is Its Effect on Your Oral Health?

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Do you know what halitosis is? Halitosis is a common oral health disorder often characterized by foul odors emanating from your mouth often due to bacteria. Although not all bad breath is caused by your mouth, it is still often the primary concern. Halitosis can occur in all ages, but it does have a few distinctive causes to note.

The most common form of bad breath is simply due to a lack of oral hygiene. If bacteria is allowed to gather in your mouth as plaque and eventually tartar, bad breath is a likely byproduct. To help keep your smile clear of nasty odors, always remember to brush twice daily and floss once daily. Additional oral health treatments such as using mouthwash or chewing sugarless can also be used to help wash away harmful residue and freshen your breath.

Bad breath could also be the result of an underlying illness. If you suffer from periodontal disease, bad breath may result. Oral infections also commonly cause bad breath to occur. Other rarer forms of bad breath can result from respiratory tract infections, liver malfunctions, and even kidney problems.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Lewis Family Dentistry, please call our dentist office in Fayetteville, North Carolina at 910.488.0518. Dr. Kenneth Lewis and the rest of our team look forward to improving your smile for many years to come!