Bad breath (halitosis) can result from poor dental
health habits, and may be a sign of other health problems. It
can also be made worse by the types of foods one eats and other unhealthy
lifestyle habits. All the food eaten begins to be broken down in the mouth. As
foods are digested/ absorbed into the bloodstream, they are eventually carried
to the lungs and given off in one’s breath. Brushing, flossing, and even mouthwash only cover up the strong odor
and can be temporary. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have
passed through the body.
A great place to
start is at home by keeping the mouth clean. Bacteria are the most common cause
of bad breath. Many people try to kill bacteria with mouthwash; however, this is
only a temporary solution. The bacteria will grow back over time. The best
defense is to brush the
teeth thoroughly at least twice a day for two full minutes, and
floss once a day; a Waterpik
can also be used daily. This will help remove the food trapped between the
teeth, as well as the food trapped in the gum line. It is also important to clean the
tongue after brushing. This can be done with a toothbrush or a
tongue cleaner. The rough surface of the tongue is a common place for bacteria
to remain causing an odor. Rinsing the mouth after eating and drinking with
antibacterial mouthwash or even plain water can help reduce odor.
The most
important thing to do is visit a dentist for a thorough cleaning and examination.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be warning signs of gum
disease. Gum disease
is caused by the buildup of plaque
on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the
gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and bone
around the teeth. Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting
dental appliances, yeast
infections of the mouth, and cavities. Dry mouth is a medical
condition that can also cause bad breath. Saliva is used to moisten and cleanse
the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away bacteria
that accumulate in the mouth. Dry mouth may be caused by the side effects of
various medications, salivary gland problems, or
continuous breathing through the mouth. There are also many diseases and
illnesses that cause bad breath.
A proper
treatment plan can be made while visiting the dentist when suffering from bad
breath. It is rarely life-threatening and the prognosis is good. If good oral hygiene does not
eliminate bad breath, it may be a symptom of a medical disorder; therefore a
medical doctor should also be seen. It is important to see your dentist
regularly for a healthy lifestyle.
Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!
