What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with consistent proper dental hygiene. If simple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, see your dentist or physician to be sure a more serious condition isn't causing your bad breath.

Symptoms

The specific odor of breath can vary depending on the cause of the problem. It is best to ask a close friend or relative to check your mouth odor, as it can be difficult to assess it yourself.

In addition to a bad smell, you may also notice a bad taste in your mouth. If the taste is due to an underlying condition and isn’t because of trapped food particles, it may not disappear even if you brush your teeth and use mouthwash.

What are the causes and health risk factors of bad breath?

There are many risk factors and causes for halitosis, and even healthy people have bad breath on occasion. Some common causes of halitosis include the following:

1. Food: Food is a primary source of bad odors that come from the mouth. Some foods, such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. Most of the time the odor is short lived. Other foods may get stuck in the teeth, promoting the growth of bacteria and dental plaques, which causes bad breath odor.

2. Tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can leave chemicals that remain in the mouth. Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.

3. Poor oral health: 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; if gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Your tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors.

4. Health problems: Sinus infections, pneumonia, sore throat(pharyngitis) and other throat infections, the common cold, influenza (flu), tonsil stones (tonsilloliths), thrush, bronchitis, postnasal drip, diabetes, acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD reflux), lactose intolerance, other stomach or digestion problems, and some liver diseases or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.

5. Dry mouth: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva helps moisten and cleanse the mouth, but there could be reduced flow of saliva due to blockage of salivary duct or gland. Dry mouth may be caused by salivary gland problems, connective tissue disorders, medications, or breathing through the mouth.

6. Allergies: Many medications used to treat allergies can cause dry mouth, another cause of halitosis. In addition, post-nasal drip is a common allergy symptom that can result in bad breath. Sinus congestion due to allergies can also cause people to breathe from their mouths, causing dry mouth.

7. Mouth infections: Cavities, gum disease, or impacted teeth may cause bad breath.

8. Dentures or braces: Food particles not properly cleaned from appliances such as braces can rot or cause bacteria and odor. Loose-fitting dentures may cause sores or infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.

9. Medications: Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Others can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.

10. Morning breath: Bad breath in the morning is very common. Saliva production nearly stops during sleep, allowing odor-causing bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.

11. Pregnancy: Being pregnant in itself does not cause bad breath, but the nausea and morning sickness common during pregnancy may cause bad breath. In addition, hormonal changes, dehydration, and eating different foods due to cravings may also contribute to bad breath during pregnancy.

12. Other causes of bad breath: Objects stuck in the nose (usually in children), alcoholism, and large doses of vitamin supplements may also cause bad breath.

What can be done to prevent or control bad breath?

• Brush twice a day, for at least 2 minutes each time, and floss once a day.
• Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percentof the surface of the tooth.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash.
• Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful.
• See your dentist regularly, every 6 months, for checkups and to have your teeth and mouth professionally cleaned.
• Drink a lot of water to help prevent dry mouth.
• Boost the production of saliva by using sugar-free chewing gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing. Your dentist might recommend or prescribe products that can produce artificial saliva or help your body produce saliva.
• Certain substance such as alcohol, caffeine and tobacco products may cause bad breath and also stain the teeth.
• Diet:  Certain food such as  onions and garlic could have significant impact on your breath. It is important you brush twice in a day, morning and evening before going to bed.
• Regularly get a new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, about every three to four months, and choose a medium-bristled toothbrush.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis generally twice a year.

Treatment

The best method to reduce halitosis is good oral hygiene. This ensures that cavities are avoided and reduces the likelihood of gum disease.

It is recommended that individuals visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice a year. See your physician to rule out underlying medical conditions which may cause or contribute to halitosis.

Do not be ashamed of your dental health and get it checked as soon as you can. At Nisa Premier Hospital, we have a team of the best professionals who can offer you the best treatment and help you get rid of any of the dental problems right away!

To consult with a dentist call 08174209999, 08174209990 to book an appointment.