Never ask someone you love, or even like if you have bad breath.  Odds are, they’ll fib.  If you really want to know the truth, ask a child.  Or your dentist.  Request an appointment at any time to ask us about how to eliminate your halitosis.

Halitosis (also known as bad breath) can affect anyone at any time.  It is estimated that at one time or another between 50%-60% of the population suffer from halitosis.  The bad news is–it’s offensive to most people.  The good news is—now, more than ever, there are ways to treat and  prevent it.

Most cases are caused by bacterial tartar buildup in the mouth or tongue that release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) which emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. These cases are easily treatable by Dr. Kirk and the dental hygienist.  Other cases may be a tip-off to a more serious medical condition such as gum disease, tooth decay, diabetes, kidney disease or liver failure.

Your first appointment in our office always includes a comprehensive oral evaluation and medical/dental history review to screen for any of the conditions that may cause bad breath.  During your checkup visits, we will instruct you on proper techniques to prevent and treat halitosis.

Other tips to help you reduce bad breath:

Brush after meals and floss teeth daily
Clean your tongue daily
Rinse with an ADA-accepted fluoride mouthwash
Keep your mouth moist.  Saliva is necessary to clean the mouth and remove food particles.
If you have bad breath, keep a log of all the foods you eat for one week and contact us to request an appointment.