Hi there,

I take good care of my teeth at home and always go to my hygienist every six months. However, a coworker mentioned I have had bad breath for months! They were too nervous to tell me, but I wish they had told me sooner! I’m very embarrassed by this. My dentist said getting a deep cleaning would eradicate the smell, but I’m not due for another cleaning for several months! I think there has to be some other underlying problem that he must be missing. What could it be? Would a holistic dentist be able to help me with my problem better? I just want my breath to go back to normal.

John, from Jackson, Wyoming

 

Hi John,

A holistic dentist may be able to help you. Holistic dentists take your entire medical history and your entire body into account when prescribing treatment. Holistic dentists are not certified specialists, but rather have a treatment philosophy based around natural practices, the patient’s input, and the patient’s medical history. For example, holistic dentists tend to do metal-free or mercury-free dentistry. Your issue could be caused by gum disease, or if your cleanings failed to remove all the buildup or bacteria present. However, bad breath could have other biological triggers such as diet or underlying health issues.

Some things you can consider adding to your oral hygiene routine could include cleaning your tongue with a tooth brush or tongue scraper. Try switching your mouthwash to an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol-based ones can kill good bacteria and make your gums dry. If you’re already brushing and flossing regularly, be sure to make sure you are drinking enough water and staying hydrated throughout the day. Avoid anything like breath mints or breath spray, as it only treats the surface problem and not the underlying one.

Seeing a holistic dentist for a second opinion certainly can’t hurt, especially if you think your general dentist missed something.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio holistic dentist, Dr. Gilberto Tostado.