Halitosis is the issue of chronic bad breath- a problem that mouthwash, mints and chewing gums cannot fix. It is different from “morning breath” or strong smell that lingers after chicken sandwich. Halitosis persists for an extended period of time and may even indicate something serious. In such a scenario, treating bad breath is extremely important for oral care and hygiene.
Causes of halitosis
There can be multiple reasons behind halitosis or bad breath in mouth. Some of them are:
- Dental issues: Cavities and gum disease in the mouth can give way to bad breath bacteria. This harmful bacteria gets extra place to hide in your mouth which may be difficult to clear out with just brushing or cleaning the mouth.
- Mouth, nose and throat infection: According to study conducted at Mayo Clinic, infections in mouth, nose and throat can lead to postnasal drip. This can be one of the prime contributors to bad breath in the mouth. When the body fights with sinus infection, it produces mucus. Bad breath bacteria feeds on this mucus and leaves you stinky and sniffy.
- Dry mouth: Saliva is a crucial element of dental health. It goes a long way in ensuring oral health. Saliva washes and rinses unwanted leftovers of food from your mouth. It also helps in breaking down the food while eating. Saliva supplies disease fighting substances in the mouth to combat oral problems like gum disease, cavities and infection. In the condition of lack of adequate saliva inside the mouth, it may be an indicator of halitosis or bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by infections, medications, consumption of alcohol, tobacco or excessive caffeine.
- Smoking and tobacco: Products containing tobacco wreck havoc inside your mouth and completely destroys the healthy teeth. These products leave their own odor inside the mouth while also turning your mouth dry. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease from smoking, which can lead to dry mouth.
- Other chronic conditions: Bad breath or halitosis is often linked with chronic health issues in your body. It may be a sign of diabetes, liver or kidney disease or gastric influx.
Curing halitosis
If you notice that you are facing a condition of chronic bad breath or halitosis, some modifications in lifestyle and dental care can cure the problem.
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
- It is vital to clean between your teeth at least once a day. This helps to get rid of unwanted leftovers of food from the mouth.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent your mouth from turning dry.
- Chew sugarless gum and cut down on caffeine consumption.
In spite of following these methods, if the problem of bad breaths persist, do remember to visit the dentist. Proper cleaning and exam done by the dentist can help to get rid of any dental worries. Regular checkups should be done to know on proper treatment plans and products to use for cavities or gum disease.