Bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, is foul-smelling breath, typically a result of food breakdown. Other reasons may include dry mouth, poor oral health, mouth infection or disease, use of tobacco and intense dieting.

Lately if you have been experiencing chronic bad breath in spite of regular brushing and flossing, it is time you visited your dentist. If your dentist affirms the health of your mouth and concludes the odor as not of oral origin, you might be referred to a specialist or a family dentist. If, however, the bad breath is result of an oral problem, as in most of the cases, your dentist will be able to treat the root cause of the problem.

If the odor is a result of gum disease, your doctor can either refer you to a periodontist, gum specialist or treat the problem himself. Gum disease can cause the tissues of the gums to draw away from the teeth and form pockets. Once these pockets become deep enough, only a gum specialist can eliminate the plaque and bacteria accumulated through proper cleaning. A graver problem will call for a more extensive treatment.

If your teeth have a thick coat of plaque, an imperceptible build-up of bacteria, your dentist may advise using special antimicrobial mouthwash or toothpaste. Antibacterial and antiseptic toothpastes and mouthwashes are highly beneficial in eradicating gingivitis and plaque, along with breath freshening qualities. Rather than merely masking the stinking breath, some of these products eliminate the germs that cause the breath to smell in the first place.

To steer clear of halitosis, it is important you brush and floss regularly. Use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue, and visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Keep in mind that if you have chronic bad breath, you will have to see a dentist sooner or later.