Bad Breath

Causes and Remedies

^[1]Bad breath affects an estimated 25 percent of people. There are a number of possible causes of halitosis, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene.

It is also known as halitosis or fetor oris. Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety but it is relatively easy to remedy.

• Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally.
• The most common cause of halitosis is bad oral hygiene.
• If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds.
• Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odor.
• The best treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing, and hydration.

^[2]Causes:

Most bad breath starts in your mouth, and there are many possible causes. They include:

• Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. Eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic and spices, also can cause bad breath.
• Tobacco products. Smoking causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.
• Poor dental hygiene.
• Dry mouth.
• Medications.
• Infections in your mouth.
• Other causes. Diseases, such as some cancers, and conditions such as metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive breath odor as a result of chemicals they produce. Chronic reflux of stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) can be associated with bad breath.

Remedies:

There are some quick and easy ways to banish bad breath.

• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Clean braces and retainers as directed by your dentist.
• See your dentist regularly — at least twice a year. They will do an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to find and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may cause bad breath.
• Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
• Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best.

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article Reference links:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166636#what-is-bad-breath ↑
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922 ↑