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 your dentist. He or she 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
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.
For more information on halitosis, please consult our office.