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Halitosis (Bad
Breath)
What
is halitosis?
More than 90 million people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath.
In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused
by bacteria from 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.
Does
bad breath come from other sources than the mouth?
Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, gum
disease, 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 post-nasal drip. This is where
the mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves down your throat,
gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odor. Bad breath originating in
the stomach, however, is considered to be extremely rare.
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 have even 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. To alleviate the odor, 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 the 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 mouth rinses, 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 source (internal), 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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