Bad Breath: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Today, am going to discuss bad breath because it is a very sensitive health topic that affects all set of people irrespective of age, sex, or race.  It can be as a result of poor mouth health habit. Bad breath is also associated with health problems. It is medically termed halitosis.  The bad thing about this condition is that it affects people around the sufferer too and it might result in loneliness as people do not want to associate with the fellow.  It causes embarrassment and discomfort. 

Type of lifestyle and food taken can affect bad breath negatively or positively. Sometimes bad breath occurs for a short time and might be prolonged in some people. People that brush their mouth regularly are still affected by smelly mouth. Teeth are not always responsible for the smell most times; it is mostly caused by gum and tongue. Surprisingly, people with bad breath do not notice it themselves and friends do find it difficult to tell as it may seem embarrassing.

If you have bad breath, relax your mind, the treatment of bad breath starts from understanding the cause, the use of conventionalmouthwash and recognition of food and lifestyle that causes bad breath.

 

How do I know if I have bad breath?

Lick the inside of your wrist and wait for the saliva to dry off, and then perceive the area, if the smell is unpleasant, it is possible you have bad breath.

You can go ahead and ask a friend that is honest. Be sure he or she is a true friend.

Causes of Bad Breath

Food-Food particles in the mouth that are not properly cleaned can cause bad breath.  Some foods with strong odor like garlic or onions produces mouth odor that are not easy to erase. Most of the time, the odor passed away after the food has passed through the body.  

Bacteria-Some bacteria also cause bad breath. Bacteria cause irritation to the gum because they form toxins.  The use of antibacterial mouth rinse helps to reduce the incidence of bacteria.

Lifestyle- Smoking and chewing tobacco stains the teeth, causes irritation to the gum and thus causes bad breath. Smoking does not only cause bad breath, it also reduces the tasting ability of tongue. Smoking can worsen bad breath as it causes dry mouth. Cigar contain different chemicals that can produce a very strong odor. The most form of bad breath is associated with cigarette-induced halitosis.

Periodontal disease- it can cause bad breath and it can be a persistent one. Tartar build up on the teeth can result in gum disease which can also cause bad breath and mouth odor. With time, gum disease can damage the jawbone and even the gum. Infections like cavities and yeast infection can also cause bad breath.

Gut flora- low gut floral can cause bad breath. Imbalance between the good and bad bacteria present in the body can cause different health problems. Kidney problem can come with a fishy smell and in diabetes that is uncontrollable; a fruity smelling breath can be perceived.  Processed and sugary food can cause the imbalance by permitting yeast, bacteria and fungi to increase with increase metabolic rate that affect your health and increase allergies. Antibiotics and antibacterial soaps can also affect the gut flora.

Xerostomia – it means dry mouth can also be responsible for bad breath. The function of saliva in cleansing the mouth, neutralizing acid and moisturizing the mouth helps to provide a good fresh breath. In dry mouth condition, dead cells that have accumulated in the tongue and gum are not washed away and thus they decompose resulting in bad breath production. Dry mouth may accompany some other medical conditions like the salivary gland problem, pneumonia, kidney/ liver problem, chronic acid reflux, sinus infection, bronchitis and diabetes. It can occur while taking some medications.

Prevention and Treatment of Bad Breath

Dealing with the causes listed above will go a long way to treat and prevent bad breath. Quit smoking, tobacco chewing and reduce alcohol intake. Also, reduce the consumption of sugary, processed foods and drink like carbonated drink and juices. Eat more of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat balance diet and more of fermented foods like yoghurt. 

Good oral hygiene will help prevent bad breath and even reduce it. Ensure you brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Always remember to brush your tongue while brushing. Floss your teeth once daily to remove food particles that have hanged between teeth. Use toothpaste that contains phosphate salt and calcium in the morning. You can use baking soda to brush your teeth in order to neutralize acidity in the mouth. You can also add baking soda to water to rinse your mouth after brushing.

Replace your toothbrush every 3months and use a soft bristle toothbrush. Avoid brushing side to side, brush upward and downward, in a circular motion for effective removal of debris with toothbrush.

Drink enough water to keep the mouth moist. Sugarless chewing gum also helps to increase saliva flow and thus helps to clean the mouth. Take gums and mint that contain xylitol.

Mouthwash and Bad Breath

Mouthwashes that contain sodium chlorite claim to fresh your breath for about 6hours, meanwhile, based on an independent research on sodium chlorite, it can only offer fresh breath for 4-42 minutes. This compound do not affect the bacteria causing bad breath, it only alters the chemical composition of rancid gases.

Some mouthwashes contain sodium chlorite with zinc ion. The zinc ion will help reduce the gas produce by these bacteria.  These mouthwashes that contain sodium chlorite will only prevent bad breath for short period of time.

A study from the University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center, New York reveals that essential oils like thyme, peppermint, eucalyptus and wintergreen provides a natural cure to inflammation and plaque which is the root cause of bad breath. Also, Journal of Clinical Periodontology contains a study that reveal that essential oil mouthwash can reduce Streptococcus mutans presence in the mouth. This strain causes cavities.  These essential oils can eliminate the germs and thus prevent bad breath for about 3hours.

When to See Your Doctor

It is normal and healthy to visit your dentist at least once in 5months.  If your bad breath is not cured by proper oral hygiene, visit your doctor to know if it is of oral origin or other underlying medical condition. 

Also see your doctor if you notice persistent dry mouth, mouth sore, dental pain, fever or difficulty in swallowing. Your dentist will refer you to a periodontist if it is related with gum disease. 

Bad breath in babies may be a sign of medical condition. Consult a pediatrician for a baby or young child with bad breath