Occasional bad breath is perfectly reasonable. However, when your occasional bad breath becomes more and more persistent and isn’t solved by regular oral hygiene practices, then you may have developed halitosis. The good news is that halitosis is a treatable condition under proper dental care. At Capital Cosmetic Dentistry of Chevy Chase, Dr. Christopher Banks is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist, who is well equipped to handle an array of dental concerns. By offering comprehensive, conservative dental treatment, Dr. Banks can provide a treatment that is specific to your dental needs.
Halitosis
One of the leading causes of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. Finding the time to develop an appropriate dental hygiene routine can benefit your oral health in the long run. General dentist Dr. Banks recommends that patients visit his Washington, DC dental office every six months for a routine preventive care visit. During a routine preventive care visit, Dr. Banks will perform a comprehensive exam to thoroughly examine your teeth.
Our comprehensive exam includes:
- Digital imaging: x-rays, intro, and extra-oral photography
- Oral cancer screening
- Periodontal screening (for gum disease)
- Dental caries (cavities) screening
- Charting of existing restorations
- Cosmetic dental evaluation
- 2-D and 3-D models for analysis and treatment planning
After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Banks will have a better idea what is causing your halitosis, and he will be able to provide a more detailed treatment plan to help improve your smile.
The possible cause of halitosis:
- Gum Disease: Gum disease means there is a presence of bacteria below the gum line. Over time, deep pockets can form below the gum line with can lead to irritation and inflammation in the gums. Some of the side effects of gum disease are tooth sensitivity, toothache, bleeding gums, and halitosis. If gum disease is not properly treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Dr. Banks will examine your smile to determine if gum disease is present; if it is, we do offer a range of periodontal therapy services to restore health back to your teeth and gums.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay can play a significant role in the freshness of your breath. As the tooth decays, an odor is released throughout the mouth that can not be removed with regular brushing and flossing. Until the decayed tooth is treated, the halitosis will persist.
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth can occur when the mouth doesn’t produce the appropriate amount of saliva. Saliva helps circulate and remove debris, which minimizes of plaque buildup. Dry mouth may be caused by factors like dehydration, certain medications, age, and smoking. Dr. Banks may need to work in coordination with your primary care physician to determine if your dry mouth caused by a medical condition or medication.
Dr. Banks offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to improve your smile. If you are suffering from halitosis, visit Capital Cosmetic Dentistry of Chevy Chase. Patients can call 202.769.0324 or schedule an appointment online.