Bad breath can be caused by various things, and one of them is cavities. nowThere are ways to get rid of bad breath due to cavities that you can do, from brushing your teeth regularly to undergoing treatment for cavities.
Various studies show that most bad breath (halitosis) is caused by dental and oral health problems, such as cavities or gum problems.
Bad breath usually starts from the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, especially in cavities, which causes inflammation and triggers a bad odor. The good news is, there are several ways to get rid of bad breath due to cavities that you can do.
Caring for and Treating Cavities
One way to get rid of bad breath due to cavities is to treat and treat cavities. The type of treatment performed depends on the severity. The following are some types of treatment for cavities:
1. Treatment with fluoride
The problem of cavities in the early stages can be overcome by using fluoride, either in the form of a liquid or a gel, which is rubbed against the teeth. Although fluoride Also contained in toothpaste, but the levels are not sufficient to restore the outer layer of the teeth (tooth enamel) and close small holes in the teeth.
2. Dental filling procedure
Dental fillings are a common medical procedure performed to fill cavities (caries) with a special material. This treatment option is done when tooth decay is getting worse.
You can choose the method and filling material to be used. Other commonly used dental filling materials are porcelain, resin composites, or amalgam.
3. Crown installation tooth
Dental crown placement or dental crown can be an option when the damage to the teeth is widespread and makes the teeth brittle.
This method aims to improve the appearance of the teeth and protect the teeth from further damage. Before placing a crown, the dentist will remove the part of the tooth that has been damaged and decayed.
4. Tooth root canal treatment (root canal)
Root canal treatment is necessary when a damaged tooth or cavities have caused severe damage to the inner lining of the tooth and the nerves of the tooth.
This procedure is performed by removing nerve tissue, blood vessels, and areas of decaying teeth. Next, the dentist will check for infection and apply medication to 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 fillings or fittings crown tooth.
5. Tooth extraction procedure
A tooth extraction procedure is necessary when the tooth decay cannot be repaired by other treatments and the tooth must be extracted. Since teeth that have been extracted can leave gaps and allow other teeth to shift, you might consider getting a dental implant.
Maintaining Dental and Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent bad breath due to cavities. Ways that can be done include:
Brushing teeth regularly
Brush your teeth twice a day after each meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. To clean the gaps in the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach, you can use dental floss.
Don't forget to replace the toothbrush after 3 months of use or when the toothbrush starts to break.
Clean the tongue and rinse
After brushing your teeth, don't forget to clean your tongue and rinse your mouth with a mouth freshener (mouthwash) which does not contain alcohol. This solution can kill germs that cause cavities in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and treat bad breath.
Pay attention to food intake
Apply a healthy diet to prevent cavities by eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, high-calcium foods, and unsweetened black or green tea.
In addition, limit the consumption of sweet and sour foods, such as candy, sweets, and soft drinks that can damage teeth.
Avoid foods that trigger bad breath
To prevent bad breath from getting worse, avoid consuming foods and drinks that can cause bad breath, such as onions, garlic, jengkol, and petai.
Stop smoking habit
Smoking habits can cause gum damage, trigger the appearance of dental plaque, and cause bad breath. If you find it difficult to quit smoking, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Reduce coffee and alcohol intake
How to get rid of bad breath can also be done by limiting drinking coffee and alcoholic beverages. Coffee can leave an odor on the tongue and throat, while alcoholic beverages can cause dry mouth and make bad breath.
Have regular check-ups with the dentist
How to get rid of bad breath due to cavities that is no less important is to visit the dentist regularly at least every 6 months to check and clean your teeth.
Taking care of cavities and maintaining oral health is the most effective way to get rid of bad breath due to cavities. If bad breath does not go away after treatment, it is recommended that you consult a dentist.
Additional tests may be needed to detect possible other health problems causing bad breath, such as sinus infection or sinusitis, GERD, pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or side effects of certain medications.
If the results of the examination show you have the above conditions, the doctor will provide the right treatment according to your condition.