No buddy likes bad breath, especially if you notice it yourself. A Lot of my patients ask me about what causes bad breath and how to make it go away. The simple answer is caused by bacteria and the long answer can be explained in an article I found in a dental journal below.
If your at home remedies do not work the best remedy for consistent bad breath is to seek a dental professional for help, www.drdivito.com or call us at 480-990-1905 that is what we are here for!
Halitosis, or bad breath, affects more than 80 million people in the United
States. In most cases, people with bad breath aren’t even aware of the problem.
Halitosis has a significant impact, both personally and socially, on those
who suffer from it. If you think that you suffer from bad breath, your dentist can
help determine the source of the odor. If your dentist believes that the problem
is caused from a systemic (internal) source, such as an infection, he or she
may refer you to your family physician or a specialist to help treat the cause of the
problem.
What causes bad breath?
Typically, bad breath originates in your gums and tongue. It is caused by waste
from bacteria in the mouth (typically called periodontal disease), decayed food
particles, other debris in your mouth, and bad oral hygiene. The decay and debris
produce a chemical compound that causes the unpleasant odor. Bad breath
may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure, or
a liver malfunction. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age, and hormonal changes can
have an effect on your breath. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute
to the problem.
What is morning breath?
Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep odor under control
because it helps wash away odor-causing food particles and bacteria. When you
sleep, however, salivary glands slow the production of saliva, allowing bacteria
to grow inside the mouth, which causes the bad odor, or “morning breath.” To
alleviate morning breath, brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning breath also
is associated with hunger or fasting or change of diet. If you skip breakfast, the odor may reoccur—even if you’ve brushed your teeth.
Do certain foods or drinks cause bad breath?
Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and drinks like coffee may be detected
on a person’s breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. In addition, certain diets,
especially ones that eliminate carbohydrates, increase the chances of halitosis.
How can I control bad breath?
Visit your dentist regularly because checkups will help detect any systemic
causes. Checkups also help to get rid of the plaque and bacteria that build up on
your teeth. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing
your teeth at least twice a day to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles. To
alleviate odors, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper (a
plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue).
In addition, be sure to drink plenty of water. Try chewing sugar-free gum that
contains xylitol—it also may help control 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 mouthrinses or deodorizing
sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist, because some of these products
do little to eliminate bad breath. Instead, your dentist can recommend products
that have proven successful.
Self-Care at Home Gum and Bad Breath Treatment
People who suffer from bad breath and gums want to know how to get rid of it. Some examples of measures an individual can do to prevent or get rid of bad breath include:
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- Practice good oral hygiene to include:
-
- brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,
- brush the teeth after meals,
-
- brush the tongue,
-
- replace your toothbrush every two to three months,
- use dental floss regularly,
- Dentists can also prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms of bad breath see your dentist at least twice a year.
- Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products
- Keep your mouth moist by:
- drinking water, and
- chewing sugarless gum or hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva.
- Avoid foods such as onions or garlic which may cause bad breath..
- Practice good oral hygiene to include:
- Natural bad breath remedies include chewing on mint or parsley.
- Follow all instructions provided by the dental or medical professional, and use any prescribed mouthwash or toothpaste as directed.
- If the patient’s dentist determines that the bad breath odor is not of oral origin, the patient may be referred to a physician.
- If the odor is due to gum disease, the dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum condition
This reposted article gives some simple answers to a messy question and If your at home remedies do not work the best remedy for consistent bad breath is to seek a dental professional for help,
www.drdivito.com or call us at 480-990-1905 that is what we are here for!