BAD BREATH
Get Professional Help to Treat Bad Breath
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath is more common than one would imagine. It is an embarrassing health condition that affects approximately 30% of people around the world. Halitosis is apparent when there is a foul smelling odour coming from the mouth cavity. This foul oral odour is usually caused by a group of anaerobic, sulphur-producing bacteria that breed beneath the surface of the tongue and often in the throat and tonsil area.
Halitosis is a medical condition that lowers self-esteem and affects everyday life and personal relationships. People with chronic or recurring bad breath often lose their self-confidence. It can be difficult to know if you have this problem, because it is often challenging to pick up on one’s own scent. If your case does not improve after brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash (which your dentist can recommend for you), it may be chronic.
SOME OF THE CAUSES OF BAD BREATH CAN BE TREATED BY YOUR DENTIST
- Dry mouth:Xerostomia (medical term for Dry Mouth) provides a perfect environment for bacteria reproduction. Those who suffer from dry mouth and lack of saliva find that even minor food odours may lead to long-term issues and affect your lifestyle significantly. Consult with your dentist for recommended products to help with Dry Mouth conditions.
- Poor dental hygiene:Â Inadequate oral care causes bacterial build-up on the teeth and gums. If they are not continuously removed by adequate brushing and flossing (cleaning between teeth), these bacteria develop into something dental plaque. When plaque is allowed to accumulate near the gum line, it will harden and begin destroying teeth and gum tissues due to intense bacterial activity. This leads to gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontal disease (bone eating disease). Tooth decay and poorly fitting or dirty dentures can also contribute to this problem. Consult with your dentist to diagnose the root cause of bad breath and an appropriate treatment can be suggested to treat it.
GETTING PROPER TREATMENT
Your dentist will recommend mouthwashes and toothpastes that help alleviate and help control odour causing bacteria found in the mouth. If you are experiencing mouth dryness, your dentist will recommend a saliva substitute to moisten the mouth throughout the day.
Please note: Halitosis is rarely associated with life-threatening diseases. However, it is important that you consult your doctor or dentist as soon as you notice consistent white spots on the tonsils and sores in the mouth with or without a fever. Sometimes bad breath is triggered by severe health conditions such as throat or mouth cancers, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, digestive system disorders, or diabetes – and further, can indicate dehydration or zinc deficiency. Taking proper care of your teeth and visiting the dentist at least twice a year are the easiest ways to avoid these issues.
