Bad breath: bad breath causes and treatment

Bad breath can be a prerequisite for a problem and discomfort in communicating with others, lear more about the bad breath causes

Bad breath.

Halitosis, better known as bad breath, is a common condition. Although a small health problem, bad breath can be a prerequisite for a problem and discomfort in communicating with others.

Common causes of bad breath are improper or unsatisfactory oral hygiene. Food particles accumulate in the interdental spaces, tongue and gums. Thus, the bacteria in the oral cavity destroy these particles, releasing chemicals with an unpleasant and strong odor.

What causes bad breath

1. You do not observe good oral hygiene - the bacteria from the plaque constantly accumulate around and between the teeth and this can be the cause of halitosis.
   The most effective way to prevent this is by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing to remove plaque and other food between your teeth;
2. Oral infections - this includes the presence of dental caries, periodontal disease in the oral cavity or surgical wounds after tooth extraction;
3. Dry mouth - Saliva in the mouth is a very important factor for good oral health. Dry mouth, or 'xerostomia', occurs when the flow of saliva to the oral cavity is interrupted. This can make the breath unpleasant because saliva helps to moisten the mouth and flush out bacteria that can cause bad breath.
   Causes of dry mouth are smoking, taking certain medications, hormonal changes, thyroid problems or breathing problems;
4. Chronic diseases - in some cases, medical conditions can cause bad breath. These are gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, lung infections or throat infections. If you have any concerns about bad breath, we recommend that you consult your dentist;
5. Diet - Systemic fasting and low carb diets can lead to bad breath. This results from the breakdown of fat in the body, which produces compounds called ketones. They are released in the breath, making it smell bad. This type of halitosis can only be corrected by changing your diet.
   Foods such as onions and garlic or products high in protein and sugar can also cause bad breath.

What do experts recommend for bad breath?

1. Professional oral hygiene - bacterial plaque accumulates in the oral cavity.
   Therefore, if it is not removed regularly, the bacteria from the accumulated biofilm emit an unpleasant odor and create problems in the oral cavity.
   We recommend that our patients visit their dentist every six months to clean tartar, which will not only refresh and improve their oral hygiene, but also reduce the risk of caries and periodontal disease.
2. Personal oral hygiene - for personal oral hygiene, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a brush and fluoride paste and once a day cleaning with an interdental brush on the interdental spaces. It is good to clean your tongue as well, because bacteria accumulate, which leads to bad breath.
3. Interchangeable constructions - for patients who wear prostheses, we recommend that they be removed and brushed in the evening, and disinfection tablets can also be used.
4. For dry mouth - For dry mouth, sugar-free gum can be used to stimulate salivation.
   When you feel that bad breath is becoming commonplace, it is good to consult your dentist to find a quick solution to the problem, as well as the cause of its occurrence.