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What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. It can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
- All the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth.
- As foods are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, they are eventually carried to the lungs and released in the breath.
- If you eat foods with strong odours (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing — even mouthwash — merely covers up the odour temporarily.
- The odour will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.
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Get A Second OpinionWhy Do Poor Habits Cause Halitosis?
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes Halitosis. Antibacterial mouth rinses also can help reduce bacteria.
In addition, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause Halitosis if dentures are not properly cleaned. Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can also cause Halitosis, stain teeth, reduce one's ability to taste foods, and irritate one's gums.
What Health Problems Are Associated With Halitosis?
- Persistent Halitosis or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease.
- Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.
- Other dental causes of Halitosis include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).
- The medical condition of dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause Halitosis.
- Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks.
- If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause Halitosis. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.
- Many other diseases and illnesses may cause Halitosis.
- Here are some to be aware of respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.
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Book an AppointmentWhat Can I Do to Prevent Halitosis?
Halitosis can be reduced or prevented if you:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque.
- Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don’t forget to brush the tongue, too.
- Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.
- Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
- See your dentist regularly — at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odour.
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
- Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best.
- Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing Halitosis, bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odours.
Treatment for Halitosis
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of Halitosis. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odour is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odour source and treatment plan.
If the odour is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
Citations
Bad breath: What causes it and what to do about itFrequently Asked Questions
Halitosis is caused by bacteria that produce odors in the mouth. When you don't brush or floss your teeth regularly, bacteria build up on the pieces of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. Your breath stinks because of the sulfur compounds generated by these bacteria.
Poor hygiene - This is the most common cause of Halitosis. When food particles get stuck between the teeth or elsewhere in the mouth, the bacteria that grow there break them down. That process releases a foul smell. The bacteria can also cause tooth decay and gum disease.
The majority of the time, foul breath can be treated and prevented by practicing good dental hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening, and the prognosis is good. However, Halitosis can be a complication of a medical disorder that must be treated.
A natural way to instantly freshen your breath is to use salt water to rinse your mouth. Simply dissolve a pinch of salt in a glass of warm water, stir thoroughly, then swirl the solution about your mouth and teeth for 30 seconds.
Saliva helps to wipe away food particles and bacteria in the mouth, which reduces foul breath.
Yes, a dentist can check for oral health issues that may be causing bad breath, like gum disease.
Yes, staying hydrated can wash away food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.
Brushing your tongue removes bacteria that can contribute to bad breath.
Chewing sugar-free gum or mints can temporarily conceal foul breath, but it's best to address the underlying reason.
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