How To Prevent Bad Breath - Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
11 Feb, 2023
How To Prevent Bad Breath - Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
Foul breath, often known as halitosis in medicine, can humiliate and cause substantial concern. It's usually difficult to tell independently, so ask a trusted family member or acquaintance to notify you if you have terrible breath. Check your used dental floss for blood or odours if you think that's gross. If you have bad breath, you should know that simple lifestyle modifications and home treatments can help. Yet, poor breath can also be caused by underlying health issues. Read on for reasons for foul breath and how to treat and avoid it at Vital Dentistry in Dwarka sector 6,.
Cause Of Foul Breath
The most common cause is poor oral hygiene, which can lead to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth that produce unpleasant odours. Other causes of bad breath include:
- Dry mouth: This occurs when there is a decrease in saliva production, which can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, or simply breathing through the mouth. Without enough saliva to wash away bacteria, bad breath can occur.
- Certain foods and drinks: Foods such as onions, garlic, and coffee can leave a strong odour in the mouth, as can alcohol.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as respiratory infections, sinus problems, and liver or kidney disease, can cause bad breath.
- Acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems: Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to flow back into the mouth, leading to an unpleasant taste and odour. Other gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation and bowel obstruction, can cause bad breath.
- Poorly fitting dental appliances: Dentures or braces that do not fit properly can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to bad breath.
- Stress: Stress and anxiety can cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath.
Prevention
Bad breath can be reduced or avoided if you:
- Maintain good dental hygiene: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily to remove food particles and plaque. Clean your teeth after eating (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush your tongue as well. Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after getting sick. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned completely before being reinstalled in your mouth the next morning.
- See your dentist at least twice a year: They will do an oral exam, and professional teeth cleaning and diagnose and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other conditions that may produce poor mouth odour.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products: See your dentist for advice on quitting smoking.
When choosing a sugar-free gum, it is important to look for products that contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to have dental benefits. Xylitol can help to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.
It is important to note that chewing gum should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing, which is essential for maintaining good oral health. However, chewing sugar-free gum can be a useful addition to your oral health routine, particularly if you want a convenient and enjoyable way to improve your dental health.
Treatment
In most circumstances, your dentist can treat the underlying cause of foul breath. If your dentist concludes that your mouth is healthy and the odour is not of oral origin, you may be directed to your family doctor or a specialist to establish the source and develop a treatment plan. If the odour is caused by gum disease, your dentist can either cure it or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specialises in treating gum diseases.