BAD BREATH or HALITOSIS
WHAT IS HALITOSIS OR BAD BREATH?
Bad breath (medically known as Halitosis) can be the result of poor oral hygiene, types of food you are consuming, lifestyle habits or an indication of health problems. Bad breath is caused by odour producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. Bad breath can be unpleasant for you and people around you. In some people, bad breath needs attention due to some dental or health problems. Having bad breath can be embarrassing and can lead to anxiety and low self-confidence. Bad breath is curable if the causes of bad breath are determined and preventative measures taken.
WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH?
There are number of causes of bad breath ranging from poor oral hygiene to medical conditions which need dental or medical attention. Some of the causes of bad breath are temporary but others are ongoing as following:
Causes of temporary bad breath
Sometimes people experience bad breath from time to time which comes and goes because of the certain types of bacteria (that prefer an environment that is low in oxygen) that take hold due to the following reasons:
- Smoking – dries your mouth and causes bad breath
- Eating certain foods- certain foods like onion, garlic and some spices can cause bad breath
- Drinking Alcohol- Alcohol can also trigger acid reflux which can cause stomach acids to enter your mouth and cause bad breath
- After sleeping – Your mouth is dry after you wake up especially if you are breathing from your mouth not nose.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you are not brushing and flossing properly, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque build up on your teeth. Over time, this soft sticky plaque turns harder and form in pockets in between your teeth and gums which leads to periodontitis. Plaque and tarter with high concentrations of certain bacteria in the build up cause bad breath.
Infections inside the mouth
Untreated infections, cavities or untreated dental issues can cause bad breath.
Food particles
Brushing and flossing your teeth after eating is essential to remove food particles and harmful bacteria from your teeth, gums and tongue. Food particles trapped in between your teeth are broken down by the bacteria that produces foul smell. If you are not brushing and flossing at least twice a day, harmful bacteria in your mouth build up and cause bad breath. Some foods like onion, garlic or some spices also cause bad breath.
Salivary gland problems
If your salivary glandes are not producing enough saliva, dry mouth can be the cause of bad breath.
Health problems related to other parts of the body which can cause bad breath:
- Infection of lungs
- Severe kidney disease
- Sinusitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Infection of Nose and throat
Medications
Certain medications also cause bad breath when they break down in your body. Some medications also cause dry mouth which leads to bad breath.
Fasting
You are more likely to experience bad breath or halitosis while fasting as your mouth is dry and reduction in saliva production. Lack of saliva production means bacteria are not washed away from the mouth and teeth.
Dry Mouth
If your mouth is dry, odours will build up and cause bad breath. Saliva is body’s natural way to clean the mouth. If you have dry mouth, please discuss with your dentist on your next visit.
HOW TO GET RID OF BAD BREATH?
- Brush your teeth properly – Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential to remove food particles from teeth, gums and your tongue. Make sure you use a soft toothbrush with gentle circular motions.
- Floss in-between your teeth at least once a day – Floss helps clean the areas in between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach.
- Clean your tongue – Remember to clean your tongue twice a day with a toothbrush or custom designed tongue scraper
- Stop your mouth from getting dry – Drink lots of water and chew sugar free gum throughout the day to avoid dry mouth
- Avoid consuming too many sugary drinks and foods – Sugars encourage bacterial growth in the mouth, causing tooth decay, plaque build-up and tooth erosion.
- See your dentist regularly – Seeing your dentist every 6-12 months will help in detecting and preventing dental problems on time. See your dentist for regular scale and clean.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking not only gives you bad breath, it stains your teeth and makes you more prone to gum disease.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash – Ask your dentist about using a antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth.
- Healthy diet – Consuming foods which needs to be chewed for long time e.g. apples and carrots helps with saliva production in the mouth. Foods high in protein also affect your breath as bacteria in your mouth breakdown the protein. Good idea to wash them down with water, chew gum and brush your teeth.
- Drink water – Drinking water throughout the day keeps your mouth moist. Chewing sugarless gum also helps with saliva production
- Clean your dentures, removeable retainers – It is important to clean your dentures and retainers as food particles can stick to them. Always clean and rinse thoroughly before inserting in your mouth.
- Check your mouth for decay and diseases – Tooth decay, gum disease and other infections of the mouth can lead to bad breath. Make sure to ask your dentist to check your teeth and mouth if you experience any tooth sensitivity, bleeding swollen gums or pain.
If you have any questions about your oral health, please do not hesitate to contact us on 38783384 or Book your First Complimentary consultation with Dr Singh today and take the first step towards healthy bright smile!