How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Due to Cavities
Bad breath can be caused by various things, such as the food consumed, dental and oral hygiene that are not maintained properly, the consumption of drugs to certain health problems. In some people, bad breath can also be caused by cavities. Then, how to get rid of bad breath due to cavities? Check out the following explanation.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Caused by Cavities
Bad breath usually starts from the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, especially in cavities, which can cause inflammation and trigger bad breath. However, you don't need to worry because there are several ways to get rid of bad breath due to cavities that you can do. The following are various ways to get rid of bad breath due to cavities:
Caring for and treating cavities
Caring for and treating cavities is one way to get rid of bad breath due to cavities. The type of treatment carried out depends on the severity experienced. The dentist will provide appropriate treatment according to the cause of bad breath due to cavities.
1. Treatment using fluoride
In the early stages of cavities problems can be overcome by using fluoride, be it in the form of a gel, liquid, foam or varnish that is rubbed onto the tooth surface. Although fluoride is also contained in toothpaste, the levels are not sufficient to help restore the outer layer of teeth (tooth enamel) and cover small holes in the teeth.
2. Doing dental fillings
Dental fillings are a common medical procedure used to fill cavities using a special material. Generally, the dental fillings used are amalgam, porcelain and resin composites. This dental filling option is done when tooth decay is getting worse.
3. Dental crown installation
If tooth decay due to cavities has expanded and makes the teeth brittle, then the installation of dental crowns can be an option. The aim of this treatment is to improve the appearance of the teeth and protect them from further damage. However, before placing a dental crown, the dentist will remove the part of the tooth that has been damaged and decayed. The materials used for the installation of this dental crown include resin, gold, high-strength porcelain, porcelain with a mixture of metals, and other materials.
4. Root canal treatment
If the cavities have caused severe damage to the inner lining of the teeth and the nerves of the teeth, then root canal treatment is necessary. This procedure is performed to remove nerve tissue, blood vessels, and decaying areas of the tooth. Then, the dentist will give medicine for the root of the tooth. During this procedure, other types of treatment can also be carried out according to the condition of the teeth, such as filling teeth or installing dental crowns.
5. Tooth extraction procedure
When tooth decay cannot be repaired, it is necessary to remove the tooth. However, you should consider this procedure because pulling a tooth can leave a gap and allow other teeth to shift. That's why if you do a tooth extraction, it is also necessary to install a dental implant to replace the position of the tooth that has been extracted.
Keeping teeth and mouth clean
The most effective way to prevent bad breath due to cavities is to keep your teeth and mouth clean. The ways that can be done include:
1. Brushing teeth regularly
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. You can brush your teeth after breakfast and before going to bed.
The thing to avoid is brushing your teeth excessively or too often. Although brushing teeth can make teeth clean, if done excessively can erode tooth enamel which actually serves to protect teeth.
Most importantly, don't forget to replace the toothbrush after 3 months of use or when the toothbrush starts to break down.
2. Clean the tongue
After brushing your teeth, don't forget to clean your tongue. Because, in addition to sticking between the teeth, small food debris may settle on the surface of the tongue.
If this condition is left unchecked, it can accumulate and can cause bad breath. So, clean your tongue after brushing your teeth so that bacteria and dirt can be lost.
3. Gargle using mouthwash
After brushing your teeth, don't forget to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that doesn't contain alcohol. Mouthwash can kill germs that cause cavities in areas of the teeth and mouth that are difficult to reach. Thus, the breath will become fresher and avoid various problems of bad breath.
4. Avoid foods that trigger bad breath
To prevent bad breath from getting worse due to cavities, you should avoid consuming foods and drinks that can cause bad breath, such as petai, jengkol, onions, garlic and foods that contain sugar.
5. Stop smoking habit
Besides being not good for health, smoking can cause gum damage, trigger the appearance of dental plaque, make the area of the teeth and mouth dirty, and increase bacteria in the oral cavity area. This condition can cause bad breath. If you find it difficult to stop smoking, then do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
6. Reduce intake of coffee and alcoholic beverages
How to get rid of bad breath can also be done by limiting drinking coffee and alcoholic beverages. This is because coffee contains sulfur which is high enough that it can cause bad breath. Not only that, the caffeine content in coffee can also make your mouth dry so that it can increase the risk of bad breath. While alcoholic beverages can trigger acid reflux which causes stomach acid to rise up into the throat so that the mouth becomes dry and makes the breath becomes bad.
7. Have regular check-ups with the dentist
How to get rid of bad breath due to cavities that is no less important to do is to visit the dentist regularly every 6 months to check and clean your teeth.
Treating cavities and maintaining oral health are the most effective ways to get rid of bad breath due to cavities. But if bad breath does not go away after taking care and maintaining oral health, then you should consult a dentist.
Additional tests may be needed to detect possible other health problems that are causing bad breath. For example sinus infection or sinusitis, pneumonia, GERD, bronchitis, tonsillitis, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or side effects of certain medications.
If the results of the doctor's examination indicate the presence of one or more of these diseases, the doctor will provide the right treatment according to your condition.
That's the explanation we can write about how to get rid of bad breath caused by tooth decay. Hopefully the explanation above can be useful.
