Whether you call it bad
breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause
for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware
there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see
Dr Phillip F. Ajaje. 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. Odors 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 cause bad breath. Food that collects between
the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving
an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be
caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs
when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse
the mouth and remove 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 anartificial saliva, or
suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco
products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco,
ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
Bad
breath may be the sign of a medical
disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory
tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis,
diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
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 bad breath.
Maintaining
good oral health is essential to reducing bad
breath. 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.
Brush
twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove
food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day,
use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.
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.
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