Halitosis Treatment

Your New York Dentist for Halitosis Treatment

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an embarrassing but very common condition. In addition to affecting your self-esteem and social life, bad breath can signal a deeper problem with your dental health. Put away the mints and call Morningside Dental Care. Whether your halitosis is a nuisance or a warning, our deep cleaning procedures and oral care routine tips can help you eliminate this problem once and for all.

What Causes Halitosis?

When plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and gums, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to bad breath, as well as other dental issues like cavities and gum disease.

Some specific halitosis causes include:

Food and Drink: Garlic, onions, canned fish, or dairy are common causes of halitosis, especially if you don’t properly floss, rinse, and brush after eating.

Smoking: Tobacco use of any kind is harmful to your oral health, increasing your risk of both bad breath and other health conditions.

Dry Mouth: Drinking enough fluids helps flush out bacteria that causes bad breath, so if you aren’t hydrating or producing enough saliva, you might suffer from halitosis.

Lack of Flossing or Brushing: Bacteria can get under your gums and into crevices if you don’t practice good oral hygiene.
Gum Disease: Smell is often a clue to an underlying infection, so if your halitosis is combined with red or bleeding gums, gingivitis or periodontitis could be the reason.
Tooth Decay: Stinky breath can also be a sign of a problem with your teeth like cavities or cracks.

One bad breath cause can conceal another. For instance, you might have a cracked tooth without realizing it because you’ve gone nose blind due to smoking. This is why we encourage mindfulness in our patients—by being aware of how your lifestyle affects your oral health, you’re more likely to recognize when something sticks out, like sudden bad breath. We can help you develop mindful oral care practices in addition to treating your halitosis.

Is Bad Breath a Medical Issue?

Bad breath can mean you need dental treatment, but it can also mean you just need a few pointers on how to take care of your smile. At Morningside Dental Care, we start by narrowing down the causes, checking for big issues like periodontitis or damaged teeth. As a holistic office, we can provide you with natural remedies and advice on keeping your teeth and gums clean. However, if necessary, we’ll recommend more advanced treatments to attack the core problem, including laser gum therapy and scaling and root planing.

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) for Halitosis

SRP is a deep dental cleaning to treat gum disease and other common culprits of bad breath. Our halitosis dentist does a more thorough cleaning of plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. Then, we smooth out the surfaces of the roots of the teeth. This gets rid of pockets where bacteria can accumulate, preventing further damage to the teeth and gums. Essentially, SRP is both a treatment and a form of preventative care.

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Our Manhattan Dentist Helps You Help Yourself

In addition to in-office bad breath treatment, we equip you with the knowledge to take steps yourself. We can give you instructions on how to make oral rinses, discuss changes to your diet, and suggest additional supplements. Our goal is to make bad breath treatment and other oral care manageable for you once you leave our office.

Fresh Breath, Healthy Gums, and Confident Smiles in NYC

If you’re embarrassed or puzzled by persistent bad breath, contact Morningside Dental Care for solutions. Our halitosis treatment can both combat bad breath effectively and improve your oral health overall. With our care and tips, you can confidently say goodbye to bad breath and hello to fresh, clean breath. Call 212-864-7224 to set up an appointment or reach us online.