Bad Breath – Halitosis
Bad Breath also known as Halitosis, is a common dental condition caused in most cases by the degradation of proteins by bacteria in the mouth. Having a bad breath can negatively affect your quality of life that’s why is important to understand what causes bad breath, and how to prevent bad breath.
What causes Bad Breath?
When you eat, small pieces of food get stuck between your teeth, on your tongue and around your gums. If you don’t clean up your teeth regularly (both brushing and flossing required) the food that has remained in your mouth begins to disintegrate producing unpleasant odor. Consuming certain foods, like garlic, some cheeses and various exotic foods, can cause bad breath as well. However in this case the bad breath is not caused by rotting food, but by the food itself. Decreased saliva flow, a condition known as Dry Mouth, can also cause bad breath, because the saliva is instrumental in removing the food particles remaining in your mouth after eating. Smoking and drinking alcohol also contribute to bad breath. Another possible cause for bad breath might be caused by a health problem not related to the mouth. Examples of health problems that might contribute to bad breath are respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, sinusitis, diabetes, and kidney or liver problems. Keep in mind that most of the bad breath cases are directly related to the mouth. If you suspect that other general disease might be causing bad breath, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist, who can determine if the problem is related to your mouth health or cause by something else.
Preventing Bad Breath
You can do several things to prevent or at least minimize bad breath. Oral hygiene is paramount including brushing your teeth twice a day, regular flossing to make sure there is no food left between your teeth, and tongue cleaning. To avoid bad breath avoid smoking, alcohol, and foods and beverages that cause bad breath. Finally don’t skip your regular dental visits for check-up and teeth cleaning.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article does not constitute medical advice and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you have a health problem you should consult a licensed physician.