You are a handsome tall guy, always well dressed, and well mannered. Your looks can sweep off any woman. Many women get attracted to you. But as soon as you open your mouth to say hello, everyone has an excuse to run away from there. Even wondered why this happens to you again and again. Give it a thought…you may have bad breath!
About Halitosis
A well-groomed smile is one of the beauties of the face. To maintain a beautiful smile, you need to pay special attention to your oral health. Oral health refers to the proper care of your mouth. This includes your teeth, gums, palate and tongue. One of the most common oral health issues that people face is bad breath. Halitosis or bad breath is not only unpleasant, but it can also be a major red flag to people you talk to or work with. Fortunately, halitosis is treatable, once you know the cause behind it.
Causes
There are various reasons why halitosis occurs. When you eat foods, they break down in the mouth, microorganisms can grow over it causing bad breath. Pungent foods like garlic, onion, certain spices and vegetables also cause bad breath. After the pungent foods are digested the pungent oils in the food are carried to the lungs through the blood stream from where they are expelled out through breath. If proper oral hygiene is not maintained a thin film of bacteria called plaque develops on the teeth and gums which results in unhealthy gum enlargement known as gingivitis. If proper brushing and flossing are not done, the bacteria in the oral cavity act on the particles of food remaining in your oral cavity to emit a foul-smelling odour of hydrogen sulphide which causes halitosis or bad breath.
Bacteria on the uneven surface of your tongue can make your mouth smell bad. If your tongue is not cleaned regularly, the bacteria can multiply on it, causing bad breath. If you wear dentures or have false teeth, it is important to keep your dentures clean. Halitosis can also occur in a condition called dry mouth or in a condition called Xerostomia, where you don’t produce as much saliva because your saliva regularly gets rid of the microorganisms in your mouth.
Certain diseases also cause halitosis. In conditions like diabetes, liver failure, kidney disease, cancer and acidity you will find halitosis. Medications used for urinary tract issues, high blood pressure, and psychiatric conditions lead to halitosis by reducing saliva production resulting in dry mouth. Halitosis occurs in conditions such as tonsillitis or enlarged tonsils caused by infection, sinus issues, ulcers and respiratory system infections, impacted (unupted) wisdom teeth, defective cleft palate and/oronasal cavity formation.
Bad breath is also seen in smokers. The tobacco smoke dries up the mouth causing bad breath. It also leads to periodontal disease (gum disease) which is a major cause of halitosis. Consumption of alcohol also causes bad breath because alcohol can cause dryness of the mouth and also causes digestive issues which ultimately lead to halitosis.
Treatment
It is important to visit your dentist regularly for a full oral health check. If you have plaque and calculus, which is the hard form of plaque that contains food debris and bacteria along with mineral salts, your dentist will suggest professional cleaning. This can be done in two ways: Oral Prophylaxis, also known as scaling, is a procedure that removes the odour-causing plaque, calculus, and stains from the surfaces of your teeth above and below your gums. Faulty restorations harbouring odour-causing bacteria must be replaced as soon as possible. Mouth rinses contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine, cetyl peridium, chloride, zinc and chlorine dioxide, which are known to be highly effective against odour-causing bacteria. Your dentist will also recommend using antibacterial toothpaste to fight against these bacteria.
Preventing Halitosis
Halitosis can be prevented by following a few simple steps. Brush your teeth twice daily with a good toothpaste that contains antibacterial agents. Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months and use a soft, bristle toothbrush that is gentle on your gums. Use a mouth rinse that contains an antibacterial agent that works against bacteria that cause odour. Floss every day to remove plaque between teeth. A floss or nylon thread is passed between your teeth to remove the plaque.
Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush with a scraper behind its head. Your dentures should also be cleaned daily as they carry bacteria that cause odour. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth and xerostomia. If that doesn’t help, your dentist will prescribe oral medication that will increase your saliva levels. Avoid high-sugar foods and add fibre to your diet. Regular dental check-ups are recommended at least two times a year. If you have halitosis for reasons other than oral health, speak to your general physician.
Keep halitosis away
Halitosis is not a new issue. According to archaeological evidence, around 5000 BC, Egyptians made toothpaste by grinding pumice and ash of egg shells and hooves of ox with myrrh. Interestingly, in 50 AD, the Greek scholar Pliny proposed that bad breath should be relieved by worms and toads. Toothbrushes also have a long history. In ancient Egypt, they used twigs to make tooth-cleaning instruments. Fortunately, in modern times, good oral hygiene methods have been developed to keep halitosis at bay. Don’t forget to take care of your mouth! A beautiful smile and fresher breath can attract more people than you could ever imagine!
