Halitosis / Bad Breath
HALITOSIS / BAD BREATH
INTRODUCTION:
- Persistent, unpleasant odor from exhaled breath is called Halitosis.
- It can be embarrassing, decrease your self confidence and affect your self esteem.
- It can also ruin many business and professional opportunities
CAUSES:
- Mouths warm moist environment favors the growth of millions of bacteria.
- Poor oral hygiene causes food particles to stick on the surface of tongue, in the gum surrounding the teeth. Bacteria breaks down these food particles and produce chemicals that smell bad.
Here are some other reasons for malodor:
- —Dry mouth
- —Infected teeth
- —Periodontal disease
- —Mouth sores
- —Ill Fitting dental appliances
- —Some medications
- —Problems in digestion
- —Systemic problems like: chronic sinusitis, diabetes, liver disorders, kidney disease, respiratory tract ailments, infection, and cancer.
- External factors:
- —Consumption of smelly food like garlic, onion, etc.
- —Smoking
- —Consuming caffeine products
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BREATH SMELLS BAD?
- Ask a close friend or a relative to check your breath and be honest with you.
- Lick your wrist, let it dry and then smell it. This is how your breath will smell to others.
HOW TO GET RID OF HALITOSIS?
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Use a non alcohol mouthwash
- Floss your teeth once a day
- Scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Quit smoking
- Ask your dentist about your malodor.
- Get professional cleanings done every 6 months. Some patients need it every 3-4 months
- If you have periodontal problems, your dentist will advise you to get a deep cleaning done
- If you have dry mouth, drink more water, especially while eating food (Please refer to our previous posts for more information on dry mouth)
- Get your health check up done. Ask you PCP about any underlying medical conditions that you might have causing bad breath
- Once diagnosed, halitosis usually has excellent prognosis. All you have to do is follow your dentist’s and physician’s instructions
- Ask us more during your visit at Charter Oak Dental NEW BRITAIN.