Have you ever wondered why some people experience bad breath? Did you also know that bad breath otherwise and medically known as halitosis has caused some people issues in their relationships and in few other people has caused them anxiety? Bad breath can be a sign of poor oral hygiene and also may be due to other underlying health conditions that require immediate attention. It may be difficult for sufferers to know that they have bad breath, asking a close friend may help you confirm if you have one.
Bad breath can originate from inside or outside of the mouth, typically caused by bacteria in the teeth and tongue most times after eating certain foods such as garlic and onions with strong odors. These food remain in the system even after flossing or brushing and are passed through the lungs to cause bad breath.
Other causes of bad breath include;
- Lifestyle such as not brushing teeth regularly could leave bacterial growth and plaques in gums and teeth
- Smoking tobacco products can cause damage to gums which can result in bad breath
- Dry mouth due to decreased production of saliva
- Certain medications
- Mouth, nose and throat conditions such as sinuses, tonsillitis
- Gum infections, sore mouth or sometimes tooth infection
- Disease conditions such as cancer, chronic acid reflux otherwise known as Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, some respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, diabetes, liver or kidney disease.
If you or someone you know suffers from bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist where they will conduct an oral examination and ask you few questions about your oral health and hygiene. Your dentist may refer you to your doctor if your bad breath is not as a result of problems with gums or teeth.
The following tips may help you prevent or improve bad breath.
- Brush your teeth and scrape tongue after meals up to twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a floss to remove food particles at least once a day.
- If you wear dentures, remove them at night and clean them before using them the following morning.
- See a pharmacist for smoking cessation advice.
- Use alcohol-free oral mouth wash or rinse before bed time.
- Drink plenty of water for hydration.
- Sugar free chewing gums can help stimulate saliva production.
- Visit a dentist regularly; at least twice a year has been recommended.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your regular daily diet as they help to keep the mouth moist.
- Avoid foods that are potential cause of bad breath.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/rm-quiz-bad-breath
Thanks for sharing..very helpful
THANK YOU