What should I do if I have bad breath?
Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many
of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time
to time, especially in the morning.
There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the
major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back
of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced
bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
What may cause bad breath?
- Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced
cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing
compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where
they are exhaled.
- Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth
promote bacterial growth.
- Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris
residing under inflamed gums.
- Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute
to bad breath.
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary
gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
- Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
- Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath
as the body burns fat.
- Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing
food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
- Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney
problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several
conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also,
review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist.
What can I do to prevent bad breath?
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an
ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food
debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush
or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace
your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges,
clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
- See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least
twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will
recommend more frequent visits.
- Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend
to help break the habit.
- Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and
wash away bacteria.
- Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide
a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about
antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs
that cause the problem.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined
that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer
you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment
plan.
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