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Bad breath is quite unpleasant. People don’t want it coming from their own mouths or the mouths of others. The definition of bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Halitosis can occur on occasion, or it can be a chronic condition. It may be caused by foods a person eats, diseases or other issues. One of those other factors includes poor oral hygiene.
At the office of Fort Lee Smiles, our experienced team is well equipped to provide you with the highest level of care to preserve and maintain your oral health. We utilize state-of-the-art knowledge and technology to plan and perform your care with the utmost precision.
When a person does not brush or floss his/her teeth regularly, food particles remaining in the mouth can rot and cause bad odors. Poor dental care can lead to a buildup of plaque in the mouth, which causes an odor of its own. Plaque buildup on the teeth can also lead to an unhealthy condition called periodontal (gum) disease. When plaque hardens, it is referred to as tartar (calculus). Tartar holds bacteria that can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
The mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis starts when food debris mixes with saliva and bacteria which, in turn, forms dental plaque that sticks to the surfaces of teeth. If dental plaque isn't removed by brushing with toothpaste and flossing, it can become mineralized and form tartar, or calculus.
Tartar is very hard, and only a professional dental cleaning can remove it. Plaque and tartar are filled with harmful bacteria, and if they aren't removed from teeth, they will begin to irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will often extend from the gums to the bone and lead to periodontitis.
At the office of Fort Lee Smiles, we offer a clear picture of all the options available to you and deliver the results you expect. For more information on all of our other services, please call today.
By Fort Lee Smiles
April 1, 2020
