Bad breath is one of the most embarrassing problems to have. It makes it hard to converse, express yourself in public and maintain proximity with anyone. Unfortunately, many people suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis.
Halitosis affects approximately one in every four people in the world. Although most cases are temporary, it’s a problem worth looking into. Here is a deep dive into the common causes and treatments for bad breath.
Bad breath may be caused by the following:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene is responsible for most cases of halitosis. Failure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth causes the accumulation of food particles within the oral cavity. Unfortunately, the food forms a breeding ground for bacteria which initiate rotting. As a result, a bad odour and an unpleasant taste develop in the mouth.
Foods
Certain foods are known to cause bad breath. For example, garlic and onions have a pungent smell that stays after consumption. Spices also have the same effect. Fortunately, bad breath from food is temporary.
Dry Mouth
Saliva rinses out the mouth and acts as an antiseptic. Therefore, disease processes that cause xerostomia (dry mouth) encourage the growth of bacteria within the oral cavity. Subsequently, bad breath develops, leaving the teeth vulnerable to caries.
Tobacco
Tobacco is known to cause poor oral hygiene and gum disease. As a result, many smokers struggle with bad breath. Moreover, cigarettes yield a foul oral smell.
Systemic Diseases
Halitosis may be a symptom of something bigger happening in your body. Some conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, respiratory infections, tonsillitis, and Zenker’s cyst present with bad breath. Nonetheless, the most common condition associated with halitosis is reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease describes a condition where contents in the stomach are forced back into the food pipe or mouth. Unfortunately, the contents from the stomach often have a strong foul odour. Nonetheless, other symptoms are usually associated with these conditions.
Medications
Unfortunately, certain medications can cause bad breath. For example, antihistamines, decongestants, sedatives, and anticholinergics cause dry mouth and subsequent halitosis. Other drugs have a foul odour.
Infections
Some oral infections like gingivitis and periodontitis present with bad breath. Moreover, infected ulcers on the lip or in the mouth can produce a foul smell.
Treatment Options
Since we know the causes of halitosis, treatment options are quite straightforward. They include:
Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the best treatment for bad breath. Unfortunately, it’s the most disregarded option since it involves routines and habits. Some of the simple practices you can take up to treat bad breath and maintain good oral hygiene include:
- Brush Regularly
Brushing your teeth routinely to avoid the accumulation of food debris and bacteria is essential. The recommendation is to brush after every meal or at least twice a day. Moreover, each session should follow the right procedures.
- Floss
Unfortunately, the toothbrush isn’t great for cleaning areas between your teeth. However, dental floss gets between each tooth and cleans the enamel. For the best results, floss at least once a day.
- Rinse Your Mouth
You should practice rinsing your mouth after taking snacks or drinking beverages. Rinsing washes away food particles and clears out acidic fluids in the mouth.
Eat Right
Eating the right food goes a long way in managing bad breath and maintaining good oral health. Therefore, the big question is, what’s the right food?
A balanced diet maintains the overall health of the body. However, calcium and vitamins enhance dental health.
Moreover, some foods are worth avoiding to manage bad breath. For example, onions, garlic, strong spices, and some beverages can yield a bad odour. If you can’t avoid them, rinse your mouth after eating. Furthermore, candy and other sugary foods can lead to tooth decay and halitosis.
Stop Smoking
Nothing good comes from smoking. Therefore, if bad breath is a severe problem for you, it’s about time you put down the cigarette sticks. Smoking cessation is easier said than done. However, it has innumerable benefits.
See Your Dentist
It’s advisable to see your dentist in case you notice persistent bad breath. The dentist will conduct a complete assessment and get to the root of the problem. Nonetheless, your dental visits ought to be frequent. Even in good health, you should see your dentist at least twice yearly.
In conclusion, bad breath is a preventable and treatable problem. Follow the recommendations and see your dentist regularly.
