Halitosis- That's Bad Breath

Halitosis is the correct name but we all know it as bad breath. For some people, bad breath is an embarrassment while others don’t even know they have a problem. Most people try to combat bad breath, whether we have it or not. Go into any store and you will see the shelves are stacked high with all sorts of dental hygiene products such as mints and mouth washes but these are only a temporary solution.

Before you can remove bad breath, you need to know what is causing the halitosis. What you eat may be the reason as well as personal hygiene techniques. If your oral self care program or change in eating habits does not solve the problem, then you may have a more serious dental problem. It’s time to make a dental appointment to identify the problem and develop a plan to combat the bad breath.

Periodontitis occurs in several forms.

There are several causes of bad breath, and they include one of the most obvious, food. When food is eaten, food particles gather and accumulate in and around the teeth and the breakdown of those food particles cause the bad odor. Foods that contain volatile oils such as garlic and onions, and some other vegetables and spices, also cause bad breath. The oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and then carried to the lungs. The pungent odors of the oils are expelled through your breath until the food is eliminated from the body which can take as long as 72 hours. Bad breath caused by eating habits can be changed.

Another cause for halitosis that can be controlled by you is dental hygiene. Poor dental hygiene may cause periodontal disease such as gingivitis and periodontitus which in turn causes bad breath. Food particles get trapped and accumulate in the mouth cause a build up of bacteria and emit hydrogen sulfide vapors. A colorless sticky film of bacteria, which we know as plaque, begins to collect around the teeth. A daily dental hygiene program of flossing and brushing will remove the bacteria before it becomes a more serious problem. Dentures, if that do not fit properly or not cleaned regularly will also cause bad breath.

Sinus infections create a nasal discharge from the sinus into the back of the throat which can be a cause of bad breath as well as bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections.

A dry mouth is also a source of bad breath. Your mouth dries out naturally during sleep and when you waken, you have “morning breath”. This is because dead cells in the mouth decompose, causing the odor. Saliva helps to cleanse and moisten the mouth naturally. As well as having its own bad smell, smoking causes the mouth to dry out. Tobacco users will usually have periodontal disease which is also a source of halitosis.

People cannot always tell if their breath smells. If you are unsure, ask a friend. If you do have bad breath, consider changing your eating and/or smoking habits.

Brush your teeth for 3 minutes at least twice a day. Keep a brush at work and brush after meals.

Floss at least once every day to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. Gently brush your tongue with a soft bristled brush or a tongue scraper to remove dead cells and bacteria.

Drink lots of fresh water. Coffee and tea will stain the teeth, soft drinks and sodas contain sugar and alcohol causes bad breath. Stimulate the saliva by chewing sugarless gum or candy. Saliva will help wash away food particles and bacteria.

If your halitosis continues, make an appointment to visit your dentist.