Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.
Colonies of bacteria on the tongue are the main cause of bad breath, usually on the back of the tongue. Just brushing the tongue can loosen and wash away the microbes and refresh the breath.
What may cause bad breath?
- Morning time - saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Certain foods - garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
- Lack of cleaning - food particles in the mouth help bacteria to flourish, so if you don?t brush and floss regular, the result is bad breath.
- Food particles and bacteria living under the gums cause gum disease and bad breath.
- Dentures that do not fit and tooth cavities leave spaces that collect food and bacteria and cause bad breath.
- Some medications, mouth breathing and problems with saliva glands cause dry mouth, which allows bacteria to grow.
- Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco causes dry mouth, again allowing bacteria to grow and contaminate breath.
- Some diets cause bad breath because the chemicals released when the body burns fat are given off in the breath and they smell bad.
- Skipped meals, hunger and lack of water - saliva flow is increased when one drinks water and chews food. Saliva washes away bacteria.
- Illnesses - liver and kidney disease, chronic sinus infections, diabetes, pneumonia and bronchitis are among the diseases that have bad breath as a symptom.
In your next visit to the dentist you may want to go over any illnesses, medications or surgeries with him to help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, you can keep a record of what you eat in comparison to your breath and learn what to eat and what to avoid.
Things you can do to handle bad breath are:
- Clean your teeth and mouth - brush twice a day and floss daily. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and under the gums. If you have dentures, you should clean them completely at night and return them to your mouth in the morning.
Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to reach the back of the tongue. Get a new toothbrush if yours shows wear, or at least every 3 months.
- Twice a year visits to the dentist for check up and cleaning will prevent bad breath. If you have already had gum disease, you should go more often.
- Ask your dentist what he/she might recommend to help you quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Water will keep your mouth moist and help wash away bacteria, so drink lots of water.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan. - 29879
Colonies of bacteria on the tongue are the main cause of bad breath, usually on the back of the tongue. Just brushing the tongue can loosen and wash away the microbes and refresh the breath.
What may cause bad breath?
- Morning time - saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Certain foods - garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
- Lack of cleaning - food particles in the mouth help bacteria to flourish, so if you don?t brush and floss regular, the result is bad breath.
- Food particles and bacteria living under the gums cause gum disease and bad breath.
- Dentures that do not fit and tooth cavities leave spaces that collect food and bacteria and cause bad breath.
- Some medications, mouth breathing and problems with saliva glands cause dry mouth, which allows bacteria to grow.
- Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco causes dry mouth, again allowing bacteria to grow and contaminate breath.
- Some diets cause bad breath because the chemicals released when the body burns fat are given off in the breath and they smell bad.
- Skipped meals, hunger and lack of water - saliva flow is increased when one drinks water and chews food. Saliva washes away bacteria.
- Illnesses - liver and kidney disease, chronic sinus infections, diabetes, pneumonia and bronchitis are among the diseases that have bad breath as a symptom.
In your next visit to the dentist you may want to go over any illnesses, medications or surgeries with him to help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, you can keep a record of what you eat in comparison to your breath and learn what to eat and what to avoid.
Things you can do to handle bad breath are:
- Clean your teeth and mouth - brush twice a day and floss daily. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and under the gums. If you have dentures, you should clean them completely at night and return them to your mouth in the morning.
Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to reach the back of the tongue. Get a new toothbrush if yours shows wear, or at least every 3 months.
- Twice a year visits to the dentist for check up and cleaning will prevent bad breath. If you have already had gum disease, you should go more often.
- Ask your dentist what he/she might recommend to help you quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Water will keep your mouth moist and help wash away bacteria, so drink lots of water.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan. - 29879
