Bad Breath: Bad breath, medically designated as halitosis, is an awkward health condition that affects nearly 30% of people around the world. Additional medical terms for this condition include stomatodysodia, fetor oris, and ozostomia. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, in more than 90% of cases, the odor originates in the mouth, throat, and tonsils.
Causes of Bad Breath
Dietary circumstances, as well as tobacco and alcohol use, may all be factors in producing bad breath. Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a symptom of gum disease. Eating strongly flavored foods, such as onions and garlic, can also cause your breath to smell.
Poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth infections can also be causes of halitosis. Infections in the sinuses, lungs, or airways can also make bad breath due to the presence of nasal secretions that may drain within the mouth. Chronic postnasal drip, for instance, as occurs with sinus infections, can denote a cause of bad breath. Coughing up sputum from lung infections can also produce bad breath.
Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications, enhancing the tendency to develop bad breath.
Certain chronic conditions that severely restrict liver or kidney function may also alter the odor of the breath. Additional chronic conditions that can be linked with bad breath include diabetes and acid reflux disease.
Signs and Symptoms Associated with Bad Breath
The most prominent sign or symptom of bad breath is marking an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth.
Other signs and symptoms of bad breath involve-
- Morning bad breath and a burning tongue
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
- Unpleasant or sour taste or changes in taste,
- Dry mouth and a coating on the tongue
Treating and preventing Bad Breath
Normally, the most effective treatment is improving your dental hygiene. As part of your everyday routine:
- Foss within your teeth
- Brush your teeth and gums
- Clean your tongue
Cleaning your teeth
Your dentist will probably suggest that you brush your teeth at least twice a day practicing fluoride toothpaste.
Following some tips on how to brush your teeth and keep your mouth healthy-
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and dislodge trapped food that could produce tooth decay.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes – you could keep a toothbrush at work so you can brush your teeth after lunch.
- Use a tongue scraper to lightly brush your tongue – some toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head.
- Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after eating acidic fruit, such as oranges, or taking an acidic drink, such as fruit juice.
Your dentist may suggest that you wash your mouth daily using an antibacterial or anti-odor mouthwash. This shouldn’t substitute brushing, but can be included as part of your daily routine.
Fresh breath tips
To further keep your breath fresh, you should-
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eating strongly flavored or spicy food
- Give up smoking
- Cut down on sugary food and drink as it can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth
- Cut down on coffee
- Reduce your alcohol consumption
- Drink plenty of water to help prevent your mouth from becoming dry
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating to stimulate the flow of saliva – this will encourage clean away any remaining food particles.
You should revisit your dentist for routine check-ups. Begetting regular dental check-ups will secure any plaque and calculus – previously known as tartar – is extracted from your teeth, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach.
Your dentist can suggest the best way to clean your teeth and gums and point out areas you might be missing. They can also distinguish any signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems
Bad breath can be made by a gastrointestinal difficulty, such as an H. pylori infection or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. You may signify referred to a gastroenterologist.
The treatment advised will depend on the type of gastrointestinal situation you have. For instance, if you have a stomach ulcer, you may need a combination of two or three different antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This is recognized as eradication therapy.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
