What's Actually Causing Your Bad Breath
Bad breath has a lot of possible sources, and the treatment depends entirely on which one applies to you. Gum disease is one of the most common drivers because the bacteria living in infected gum tissue produce sulfur compounds that smell. Dry mouth is another big one, especially for patients on medications that reduce saliva flow. Decay, old restorations, and even tonsil stones can all contribute.
Dr. Rohr takes a systematic look at each possibility during your assessment. He's not going to assume it's one thing without checking the others. That's what separates a proper dental evaluation from a generic recommendation.
Bad Breath and Gum Disease: How They Connect
A lot of patients in Hastings Minnesota are surprised to learn that chronic bad breath is one of the earliest signs of gum disease. The bacteria responsible for gum infections thrive below the gumline, where no toothbrush can reach. The odor they produce tends to be persistent and won't respond to mints or mouthwash for more than a few minutes.
If Dr. Rohr finds gum disease during your assessment, we'll address it directly through a deeper cleaning or a more targeted treatment plan. Getting the infection under control is the only way to stop the odor at its source.