Bad Breath (also known as "HALITOSIS")
Halitosis is an offensive breath odor associated with certain food consumption, poor oral hygiene, periodontitis, sinus infection, tonsillitis and diabetes. Halitosis is an embarrassing condition, which some sufferers are unaware that they have. If you're concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. She/he can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
What You Eat Affects the Air You Exhale
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Breath odors will continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth , collecting bacteria, which can also cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can decompose, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Dry Mouth ("Xerostomia")
Bad breath can also be caused by xerostomia (dry mouth), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove food/bacteria particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an 'artificial saliva', or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco Products
If you use tobacco products, ask your dentist for tips on how to kick the habit and rid yourself of bas breath.
Medical Disorders
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder , such as:
If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of the bad breath.
Maintaining Good Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath . On a six monthly basis, schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
The Australian Dental Association and Camp Hill Dental recommend the following to maintain good oral hygiene:
1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque.
2. Brush your tongue , as this is a common site that causes bad breath.
3. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth and under
the gums, to areas where the toothbrush can not reach.
4. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad
breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor,
see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may
recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used
along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
5. Eat a balanced diet , limit between-meal snacking and drink plenty of water.
