How Santa Monica Dentists Can Help Bad Breath

Written by Dr. Follette on Mar 15, 2021

Everybody has at some point been forced into closed conversation with someone whose breath wasn’t quite as rosy as we would’ve liked, and if you can think back to the discomfort you felt while smelling someone else’s bad breath, you may wonder whether you are creating that same discomfort in other people.

Nobody wants to deal with bad breath, but if you’ve been struggling with this issue and have been searching for a solution, Santa Monica non-surgical periodontal dentistry here at the offices of Dr. Carol E. Follette could be what you’ve long needed.

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are many factors that can cause bad breath, but some of the most common of these include:

  • Bad general oral health
  • Eating certain foods (garlic, onions, etc.)
  • Drinking coffee or alcohol
  • High-sugar diets
  • High-protein/low-carb diets
  • Smoking
  • Digestive problems
  • Dry mouth
  • Certain prescription medications

Negative Effects of Bad Breath

First and foremost, having bad breath can make it difficult for people to want to operate in close contact with you, both personally and professionally. It can be hurtful to watch people you love and respect create distance between you and them or cover their noses when they’re close enough to smell your breath.

Beyond that, however, is that bad breath is often a symptom of some underlying health issue. From dry mouth (xerostomia) to yeast infections to respiratory infections, bad breath can be a sign of some other problem that’s going on.

From the perspective of your Santa Monica dental office, bad breath is most associated with gum (periodontal) disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, gum damage, and even jawbone damage.

How Dentistry Can Help Bad Breath

Since bad breath is so often tied to gum disease and poor oral health, often the best way to start eliminating bad breath is to correct those two issues. Dr. Follette can help this in a few specific ways, including:

Laser Periodontics

If the issue is related to gum disease, Dr. Follette offers innovative, non-surgical solutions to periodontal disease like laser treatment. Using state-of-the-art equipment, our laser team can eliminate harmful bacteria while also strengthening and regenerating gum tissue. It’s a perfectly comfortable procedure and requires very little recovery time.

Mouth Rinses and Toothpaste

If the bad breath is due to bacteria buildup, Dr. Follette may recommend a special toothpaste or mouthwash that would help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.

Fault Tooth Restoration Replacement

Sometimes, bad breath can be caused by faulty tooth restorations, which frankly can be a breeding ground for bacteria. By re-doing the bad restoration, we can close gaps and give customers an easy way to eliminate the bacteria causing the bad breath.

Eliminating Your Bad Breath With Dr. Carole E. Follette

If you are struggling with bad breath and are ready to start exploring solutions, please contact the offices of Dr. Carole E. Follette soon so she and her team can help you have fresher, cleaner breath. Not only will people want to spend more time with you, but you’ll lower the potential for other health issues down the road. There is nothing but benefits ahead for those that seek them.