Bad breath, often known as halitosis, may be unpleasant and, in some situations, anxiety-inducing. It's no surprise that store shelves are brimming with gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other goods aimed at combating foul breath. However, many of these items are merely band-aid solutions since they do not address the root source of the problem.
Among the reasons of foul breath include certain meals, health issues, and behaviors. In many situations, continuous good oral hygiene might help to improve foul breath. If basic self-care procedures do not alleviate the problem, consult your dentist or physician to ensure that your foul breath is not caused by a more serious disease.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BAD BREATH?
The root or underlying cause of bad breath smells varies. Some people are very concerned about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor, while others have awful breath and are unaware of it. Because it's tough to judge how your own breath smells, get confirmation from a close friend or family.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BAD BREATH?
The majority of foul breath begins in the mouth, and there are several causes. They are as follows:
- Food: The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can promote the growth of germs and generate a bad odor. Certain foods, such as onions, garlic, and spices, can also contribute to foul breath. These meals enter your circulation after digestion, where they are transported to your lungs and alter your breathing.
- Poor dental hygiene: Food particles stay in your mouth if you do not brush and floss everyday, creating foul breath. Plaque (a whitish, sticky coating of germs) builds on your teeth. Plaque, if not removed, can irritate your gums and eventually build plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis). Your tongue can also trap microorganisms that cause smells. Dentures that aren't cleaned on a regular basis or that aren't correctly fitted might contain odor-causing germs and food particles.
- Mouth infections: Bad smell can be caused by surgical wounds following oral surgery, such as tooth extraction, or by tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores.
- Tobacco products: Smoking produces an unpleasant odor in the mouth. Smokers and users of oral tobacco are also more likely to develop gum disease, which is another cause of foul breath.
- Dry mouth: Saliva aids in the cleansing of your mouth by eliminating particles that generate foul smells. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can lead to poor breath since saliva production is reduced. Dry mouth happens naturally during sleep, resulting in "morning breath," and it is exacerbated if you sleep with your mouth open. A issue with your salivary glands or some disorders can cause chronic dry mouth.
- Medications: Some drugs might cause foul breath indirectly by causing dry mouth. Others can be broken down in the body to release compounds that can be inhaled.
- Other disorders affecting the mouth, nose, and throat: Small stones that grow in the tonsils and are coated with microorganisms that create odor can occasionally cause bad breath. Infections or persistent inflammation of the nose, sinuses, or throat, which can produce postnasal drip, can also cause foul breath.
- Other causes: Because of the chemicals they create, diseases such as certain malignancies and ailments such as metabolic disorders can induce a characteristic breath odor. Bad breath can be caused by chronic stomach acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD). A foreign body, such as a piece of food, stuck in a nostril can produce bad breath in young infants.
HOW IS BAD BREATH DIAGNOSED?
Your dentist will almost certainly smell both your mouth and nose breath and rank the stench on a scale. Because the back of the tongue is the most common source of odor, your dentist may scrape it and grade its odor.
There are sophisticated detectors that can identify the compounds that cause foul breath, but they aren't always available.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR BAD BREATH?
Consistently practice proper dental hygiene to decrease bad breath, prevent cavities, and lessen your risk of gum disease. Treatment for foul breath might differ depending on the cause. If your foul breath is suspected to be the result of a medical illness, your dentist will most likely recommend you to your primary care physician.
Your dentist will work with you to help you better control conditions connected to oral health. Dental precautions may include:
- Toothpastes and mouth rinses: Your dentist may suggest a mouth rinse that kills germs if your foul breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial toothpaste to destroy the germs that cause plaque accumulation.
- Dental disease treatment: If you have gum disease, you may be sent to a gum specialist (periodontist) (periodontist). Gum disease can cause your gums to slip away from your teeth, forming deep pockets that are infested with odor-causing bacteria. These germs are sometimes only removed by skilled cleaning. Your dentist may also advise you to replace damaged tooth restorations, which serve as a breeding ground for germs.
HOME REMEDIES FOR BAD BREATH
To eliminate or prevent foul breath:
- Brush your teeth after eating: Keep a toothbrush at work for after-meal brushing. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, preferably after meals. Antibacterial toothpaste has been shown to reduce bad breath odors.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day: Flossing properly eliminates food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which aids in the control of foul breath.
- Brush your tongue: Because your tongue stores bacteria, gently brushing it may help to minimize smells. People with a coated tongue caused by a considerable bacterial overgrowth (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from utilizing a tongue scraper. Alternatively, use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaning.
- Avoid having a dry mouth: Avoid cigarettes and drink enough of water to keep your mouth moist — not coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol, which can cause a drier mouth. Chew gum or chew on candies (ideally sugarless) to stimulate saliva. Your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral prescription that promotes the flow of saliva if you have persistent dry mouth.
- Change your diet: Avoid foods that might promote foul breath, such as onions and garlic. Sugary meals are also associated with poor breath.
- Dentures and dental appliances should be cleaned: If you have a bridge or denture, make sure to clean it properly at least once a day, or as advised by your dentist. If you use a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it before putting it in your mouth. Your dentist can advise you on the best cleaning solution.
- Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when it becomes frayed, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Schedule regular dental examinations: Visit your dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth or dentures inspected and cleaned.