More than 80 million
people suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath. In most cases it
originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by wastes from
bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your
mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur
compound that causes the unpleasant odor.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene but can also be caused by retained food particles or gum disease.
Does bad breath come from other sources than the mouth?
Bad
breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes,
kidney failure or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and
tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients who undergo
radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress, dieting,
snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath. An
odor that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate postnasal
drip. This is where mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves
down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odor.
Why is saliva so important in the fight against bad breath?
Saliva
is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep the odor under
control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the
primary cause of bad breath. When you sleep, however, salivary glands
slow down the production of saliva, allowing the bacteria to grow inside
the mouth. To alleviate "morning mouth," brush your teeth and eat a
morning meal. Morning mouth also is associated with hunger or fasting.
Those who skip breakfast, beware, because the odor may reappear even if
you've brushed your teeth.
Do certain foods cause bad breath?
Very
spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee may be detected on a
person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions, for
example, are absorbed by the stomach, and the odor is then excreted
through the lungs. Studies even have shown that garlic rubbed on the
soles of the feet can show up on the breath.
How do I control bad breath?
It
is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and
flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Proper brushing, including
brushing the tongue, cheeks and the roof of the mouth, will remove
bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated bacteria,
plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth. To alleviate odors,
clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a plastic
tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue. Chewing
sugar-free gum also may help control odor. If you have dentures or a
removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouthguard, clean the
appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you
use mouthrinses, deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist,
because these products only mask the odor temporarily and some products
work better than others.
What is my dentist's role?
Visit
your dentist regularly, because checkups will help detect any physical
problems. Checkups also help get rid of the plaque and bacteria that
build up on your teeth. If you think that you suffer from bad breath,
your dentist can help determine its source. He or she may ask you to
schedule a separate appointment to find the source of the odor. Or, if
your dentist believes that the problem is caused from a systemic
(internal) source, such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your
family physician or a specialist to help remedy the cause of the
problem.
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