Do You or Someone You Know Suffer From Bad Breath?
Medically known as halitosis bad breath, can come from a lack of good dental health habits and can also be a sign of other health issues. Unhealthy lifestyle habits and the types of foods you eat can also cause bad breath.
What You Eat Affects Your Breath
Everything you eat starts to break down in your mouth and as foods are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they are eventually carried to your lungs and can be smelled in your breath. If you eat foods that have powerful odors like garlic or onions, brushing and flossing — even mouthwash – will simply temporarily cover up the odor. Leaving a odor that won’t totally disappear until the food has passed through your body.
Poor Habits Can Cause Bad Breath
Without daily care of the mouth which should include brushing your teeth, tongue and flossing. Food particles will stay in your mouth and cause bacterial growth:
- between teeth
- around the gums
- on the tongue
This in turn will most definitely cause bad breath. Also odor-causing bacteria and food particles can lead to bad breath if dentures are not cleaned properly.
Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can:
- cause bad breath
- stain teeth
- reduce your ability to taste foods
- irritate the gums
Health Problems That Are Associated With Bad Breath
Unrelenting bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth could be signs of gum disease or periodontal which is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth and irritate the gums. Gum disease that goes untreated can damage the gums and jawbone.
Other dental causes of bad breath include:
- poorly fitting dental appliances
- yeast infections of the mouth
- dental caries which is also known as tooth decay or cavity and is a disease where bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure such as:
- the enamel
- dentin
- cementum
The medical condition dry mouth also known as xerostomia may also cause bad breath. The saliva in our mouth moisten and cleanse by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and it also washes away dead cells that build up on the:
- tongue
- gums
- cheeks
If these cells are not removed they will decompose and may very well cause bad breath. Dry mouth can be a side effect of a range of:
- medications
- salivary gland problems
- continuous breathing through the mouth
There are other diseases and illnesses that can be the cause bad breath:
- respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- chronic sinus infections
- postnasal drip
- diabetes
- chronic acid reflux
- liver or kidney problems
How to Prevent Bad Breath
You can reduce or even prevent bad breath by:
- Apply good oral hygiene - Brush twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and remove food debris and plaque. Brush after every meal – you should keep a toothbrush at work or school so you can brush after lunch.
And don’t forget to brush your tongue also. Most people brush their teeth and don’t even touch their tongue which carrier’s loads of bacteria and smell. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 2 – 3 months.
You should floss or use an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth every day. Dentures should be taken out at night and thoroughly cleaned before being put in your mouth the next day. - Regular visits to your dentist – at least twice a year – Your dentist will carry out an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and treat: periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
- Give up the cigarettes and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for information on kicking the habit.
- Drink plenty of water – Water will help you mouth stay moist. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard sugarless candy also encourages the making of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
- Log what you eat - If you believe what you eat may be the reason for your bad breath, keep track of it and take the log to your dentist so she or he can take a look at it. Also jot down a list of the medications you take because some medications can also cause your breath to smell.
Treatments for Bad Breath
Your dentist should be able to help you with your bad breath. If the odor is due to gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist which is a dentist that specializes in treating gum conditions.
However should your dentist establish that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of oral origin, she or he may refer you to your doctor or a specialist so they can determine the source of the odor and recommend proper treatment.
Products That Can Eliminate Bad Breath
There are various types of mouthwashes that can eliminate bad breath. However, keep in mind that many of these products normally offer only a temporary way to cover unpleasant mouth odors.
However there are many antiseptic mouth-rinse products available that kill the germs that cause bad breath instead of simply masking the odor. You can speak to your dentist about which products are best for you.
~ To your health and well-being
