What is Halitosis?

Most people experience bad breath from time to time. It’s one of those things that you may check throughout the day, popping in a piece of gum or mint to prevent lunch from interfering with your social life. When the foul odor from your mouth becomes far too common or you struggle to get rid of it even with excellent oral hygiene, you may need treatment for halitosis in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Carthay, South Carthy, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Santa Monica, or Brentwood, California. That’s where Dr. Suzanne Haeri can help from her practice, Suzanne Haeri Cosmetic & General Dentistry.

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath, especially when that offensive odor is a common occurrence. It’s often a symptom of an underlying problem and requires attention from a dental professional.

Potential Causes of Bad Breath

Occasional halitosis is often caused by foods with strong odors like onions or garlic. When it becomes a routine occurrence and starts to interfere with your professional or social life, it’s time to check for some of these other potential causes:

• Poor oral hygiene


• Unclean dentures


• Dry mouth


• Diabetes


• Bacteria accumulation on the tongue


• Respiratory infection, bronchitis, or other illnesses


• Periodontal disease


• Tobacco and drug use


• Gastrointestinal disorders


• Liver disorders


• Kidney disorders

Periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of chronic bad breath in Los Angeles, CA, as well as other areas of the country. If you notice bleeding, red, or swollen gums, you should have your teeth and gums inspected by a dentist as soon as possible. The faster you treat periodontal disease, the less likely you are to lose teeth.  

Ready to Get Rid of Halitosis in Los Angeles, CA?

The first step to remedying bad breath is to double-check your daily dental care routine. If you’re already brushing your teeth twice a day, try keeping a toothbrush with you so that you can brush after every meal. Make sure you’re brushing your tongue as well as your teeth and are flossing daily. If you have dentures, thorough and routine cleaning is essential to eliminate foul odors.

You may also combat bad breath by drinking plenty of water and avoiding foods like onions. If those simple strategies don’t work, you may have a more serious dental condition that requires professional attention.

Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Haeri at Suzanne Haeri Cosmetic & General Dentistry is the best way to determine the cause and best treatment for halitosis in the Los Angeles, CA, area. Contact our team of compassionate professionals at (310) 657-2200 or (310) 854-0600 today.

Types of Mouthwash

As both a cosmetic and general dental office, we at the South Carthay practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri know that our patients want their mouths to smell as good as they look. The bacteria on our tongues and enamel emit a foul odor that is usually the cause of bad breath, and mouthwash is one of the most common tools for fighting them. But how does mouthwash fit into routine oral hygiene? In this post, we’ll explore the different types and when they are recommended.

 

No mouthwash is able to replace brushing and flossing, but many kinds can supplement them. Cosmetic mouthwash is that which only masks a bad smell, while therapeutic mouthwash kills oral bacteria and helps to guard against the development of gum disease. Sometimes available by prescription, therapeutic mouthwash may be used when a patient has a dry socket or other dental injury. Many mouthwashes also contain fluoride to help bolster enamel’s defense against oral bacteria’s acidic secretions and may benefit people who suffer recurring tooth decay.

 

Some mouthwash also provides pain relief and may be used when a patient has mouth sores. But one thing to be cautious of is that mouthwash is often alcoholic, and while there is no evidence it contributes to oral cancer, it may dry out a user’s mouth if they don’t hydrate sufficiently. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are commonly available for children, and many teenagers with orthodontic appliances especially enjoy having an easy way of improving their breath.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

 

Foods for Optimal Oral Health

Changes in the mouth begin with what we eat, therefore it’s important to be cautious of the foods that touch our plate. To prevent cavities and maintain optimal oral health, our diets should contain a variety of foods from each of the five food groups in the recommended amounts. These foods are grouped together because of the nutrients they contain. To help you get a better understanding, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS is here to tell you what to eat and what to avoid.

If a person snacks frequently, they increase their risk of developing cavities. Added sugars and acids damage tooth enamel and can cause it to wear down which is why they should always be avoided. Like every other part of our body, teeth need nutrients to function properly. You should consume fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that are rich in calcium to help restore minerals in enamel, fight periodontal disease, and bad breath.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Halitosis Treatment

It is one thing to have bad breath after eating a meal that’s heavy on the onions, but it’s another to suffer from it on a daily basis. Medically defined as halitosis, bad breath affects an estimated 25% of people, globally. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits, this includes your visits to the dental office. If they are lacking, or non-existent, it may be time to visit Dr. Suzanne, Haeri DDS for a professional cleaning.

Next in line, after tooth decay and gum disease, halitosis (bad breath) is the third most common reason that people seek dental care. It’s important that we stress that you should never wait until these problems arise to see a dentist. Potential causes for bad breath are dry mouth and poor diet, but the biggest is poor oral hygiene habits. In addition to visiting our office twice a year for dental checkups, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use American Dental Association (ADA) approved mouth rinse.

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as other services we provide, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.

Keeping Away Bad Breath

Fresh breath is desirable for everyone. You want fresh breath for yourself and you also want fresh breath for anyone you are close to. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS wants patients to know that fresh breath has a lot to do with oral hygiene. Keep reading to learn tips!

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. This is why it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene. Plaque can form on your teeth and tongue just hours after brushing. To keep it at bay, brush three times per day and floss at least once per day.

Bacteria will thrive in dry conditions, so it is also important to stay hydrated. Get your recommended amount of water in every day. Also, keep drinks that dehydrate you to a minimum. This includes drinks with caffeine and alcohol.

In addition to bacteria, there are also some more obvious foods that can stain our breath, like garlic. For occasions where you have stinky breath from something you ate, chew on some mint leaves or lemon rinds. These not only will help freshen breath, but they include the production of saliva. This will aid in staying hydrated and washing away bacteria.

Keep these tips in mind to keep away bad breath. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, call our Los Angeles, CA office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com.