Combating Bad Breath
October 15th, 2009Everyone has bad breath at one time or another, often in the morning. Sometimes people have it and are not aware of it. It can be seriously embarrassing for the person who has it, and unpleasant for everyone else.
The main cause of bad breath is bacteria deposits on the tongue, particularly in the back. Simply brushing the tongue can definitely reduce bad breath.
Causes of bad breath vary. Here are the main ones:
- Since saliva flow nearly comes to a halt when a person is asleep, the dryness of the mouth allows bacterial growth, which in turn causes bad breath. Morning mouth is no joke.
- Particular foods – certain foods contain odor-causing compounds. Garlic and onions are most well known.
- Poor oral hygiene habits – food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
- Periodontal (gum) disease – colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
- Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – may also contribute to bad breath.
- Xerostomia – a formal name for a condition of dry mouth – can be due to medications, saliva glands not producing or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. When the mouth is dry, bacteria breed.
- Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco causes dry mouth, again allowing bacteria to grow and contaminate breath.
- Dieting – certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
- Skipped meals, hunger and lack of water – saliva flow is increased when one drinks water and chews food. Saliva washes away bacteria.
- Certain medical conditions and illnesses – diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
It is a good idea to go over your medicines and illnesses with a dentist, who can help you determine if any of those things would cause bad breath. Also helpful is keeping a record of what you eat.
Prevention and remedy for bad breath can be simple. These are things you can do:
- Keep your mouth clean. If you wear dentures, clean them and put them back in your mouth in the morning. Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste. Floss every day ? this will remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gums. Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Buy a new toothbrush every 2 or 3 months.
- Get a check up and tooth cleaning from a dentist at least two times a year. You should have your teeth cleaned more often if you ever had gum disease.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco.
- Ask your dentist what he/she might recommend to help you quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Ask your dentist about what kind of mouthwash or rinse to use. The good ones kill bacteria in addition to making your mouth smell pleasant.
If you have tried all these remedies and bad breath persists, your dentist may ask you to go to a medical doctor. Usually, however, bad breath can be handled between you and the dentist, without much trouble.
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