Halitosis in Los Alamitos, CA
Bad breath can feel embarrassing, but it often has a clear dental cause. For patients dealing with halitosis in Los Alamitos, CA, plaque buildup is one of the most common reasons it happens. When plaque stays on the teeth, gums, or other areas of the mouth, bacteria can produce acids and odors that contribute to tartar buildup, tooth decay, or gum disease. At Beachwood Dental, our dentists and dental hygienists help address the source of bad breath by cleaning away buildup and supporting better oral health.
Our dentists will happily consult with a patient at our Los Alamitos, CA office to assess needs and create an individualized treatment plan. Each treatment may vary some depending on the condition, but the results will ultimately be the same: a healthier, cleaner, and fresher-smelling mouth.
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Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is the soft sticky film filled with bacteria that forms on your teeth. After patients eat and do not remove food particles from their teeth with brushing or flossing, the bacteria remains. Plaque buildup causes tartar. Tooth tartar that remains on the teeth makes it even more difficult to clean the teeth. Eventually, the tartar builds up under the gum, causing gingivitis. Patients can recognize gingivitis with gums that are swollen, red, and bleed when brushing their teeth. This is an early sign that hardened tooth tartar has entered into the early stages of gum disease.
What to Expect
Our registered dental hygenists, with excellent training and patient care skills, can help assess why the patient has bad breath and figure out a cleaning strategy to get the tartar off the teeth. During a discreet consultation for bad breath therapy, we will assess the patient’s teeth and gums for possible reasons for the halitosis. If the condition is more minor and the patient shows no signs of gum disease, then typically a thorough teeth cleaning should help remove the tartar/plaque build up. However, if the condition is more severe, then the patients may require periodontal treatments, which are used to treat inflamed and infected gums, ranging from simpler procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to surgical procedures, such as bone grafting. Having regular teeth cleanings are very important for fresh breath. Our dentist will discuss the right course of action and how in-depth the dental treatments will be for the situation.
Managing Halitosis in Los Alamitos, CA After Treatment
Good daily care plays a big role in managing halitosis in Los Alamitos, CA, especially when bad breath is linked to plaque buildup, bacteria, or gum health. Brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help keep your mouth cleaner between visits. Our dentist may also recommend a specific mouthwash or toothpaste to help control bad breath as part of your home care routine.
If bad breath continues even after dental treatment and improved oral hygiene, we may recommend checking with your primary care physician. In some cases, ongoing bad breath can be linked to other health concerns, such as acid reflux, ulcers, or gastrointestinal issues.
