Idyll Dental: February 2022

Halitosis (bad breath) is an oral health problem where the main symptom is bad smelling breath. In most cases, finding the cause of the bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition.

Causes:

Specific food
Tobacco and alcohol consumption
Poor dental hygiene
Dry mouth.
Medications: Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Others can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.
Many diseases can causes halitosis: Seasonal allergies, Respiratory tract infections, post nasal drip, diabetes, Chronic acid reflux, Chronic lung infection, Gastrointestinal issues, Liver and kidney diseases.

Treatment:

To reduce bad breath, consistently practice good oral hygiene. Further treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. If your bad breath is thought to be caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your general physician.

For causes related to oral health, your dentist will work with you to help you better control that condition. Dental measures may include:

· Mouth rinses and toothpastes. If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.

· Treatment of dental disease. If you have gum disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist. Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets that fill with odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes only professional cleaning removes these bacteria. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, a breeding ground for bacteria.

Do Brush And Floss – Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth and accumulates microorganisms that produce bad breath. Food that has been trapped adds to the situation. At least twice a day, brush your teeth and floss at least once. If you’re worried about your breathing, do both more frequently. But be careful not to overdo it. Brushing your teeth too forcefully can wear them down and leave them vulnerable to decay.

It Is Important To Rinse Your Mouth – Aside from refreshing your breath, mouthwash also provides additional protection by removing microorganisms. The taste of fresh mint might make you feel fantastic. However, make certain that the mouthwash you select destroys the microorganisms that cause bad breath. Don’t simply mask the odor. Stop bad breath at its root by rinsing with a decent mouthwash on a daily basis. Swishing your mouth with plain water after eating might also aid your breath. It can remove food particles caught between your teeth.

Do Scrape Your Tongue – The natural coating that grows on your tongue can serve as a breeding ground for stinky bacteria. Brush your tongue gently with your toothbrush to get rid of them. If your brush is too big to reach the back of your tongue comfortably, use a scraper.

No Intake Of Food That Sours Your Breath – The compounds that create their foul odors enter your circulation and travel to your lungs, where they are exhaled. What is the most effective method of resolving the issue? Don’t consume them, or at the very least stay away from them before going to work or seeing friends.

Give Up The Tobacco Habit – Smoking can harm your gums, discolor your teeth, and give you poor breath, in addition to causing cancer. Nicotine patches sold over-the-counter can help you control your cravings. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss stop-smoking programs or prescription drugs that can help you quit smoking for good if you need it.

It Is Important To Stay Hydrated – A dry mouth can also be the reason for bad breath. Therefore, make sure that you drink an adequate amount of water on a regular basis. This will lead to the proper flow of saliva into your mouth.