Bad breath is otherwise known as halitosis. Halitosis has many causes and the proper identification of halitosis is crucial for the ability to correct the problem. Not only can this be a difficult social issue but it can also indicate more serious health problems.
Some examples of causes of halitosis are:
- Tobacco use. This is a major cause and one that has a simple solution. This is just one more significant reason to quit smoking. Your doctor or dentist can provide support and resources to assist you in this endeavor.
- What you do or do not eat will contribute to halitosis. Foods like garlic can cause this problem. Although it is only a temporary issue, it can be remedied by the simple adjustment of your diet.
- Xerostomia (dry mouth). When the mouth is dry, not only is the protective effects of saliva absent but the ability of the saliva to wash the food particles and bacteria away is also missing. This allows the bacteria to build up easier on the teeth and compound the problem
- Infections. This can be the most severe reason for bad breath and also one of the more difficult to find the underlying cause. Infections elsewhere in the body can cause bad breath. If your dentist cannot find the cause of this it is important to see your doctor to find the cause.
How Can You Prevent Bad Breath?
Often the most important way to remedy halitosis is to exercise proper oral health care. This importance cannot be overstated. Halitosis can be caused by bacteria and their byproducts and effects on the oral cavity. As bacteria build up inside the mouth they change in composition and shift to a higher percentage of “bad” bacteria. These bacteria cause an immune response in the body and this can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, the latter of which is irreversible. Proper brushing and flossing, as a result, are paramount to the prevention of this buildup.
The tongue can often be a source of bad smells. Not only can bacteria grow on the tongue in force but it is part of the passageway of the exit of breath so it has a built in fan mechanism to spread the odor. Brushing the tongue is important to prevent this. A tongue scraper can also be beneficial.
Other things to be considered in the prevention of halitosis are simple and can be built in to normal routines. Keep your toothbrush fresh. This is important whether or not bad breath is present. Keeping an extra brush at school can also be beneficial. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and to assist your saliva in washing away bad bacteria.
Saliva is another important factor with halitosis. Saliva not only has the enzymatic activity so important for a clean mouth but also provides a vehicle for moving particles and bacteria out of the mouth. Some salivary hypofunction can be caused by medications. Your dentist can help in these situations with providing or prescribing assistive medications for this. There are other ways to prevent a dry mouth that are more simple.
Alcohol will cause dry mouth. The dehydration effects of this present themselves later so it is important to brush and floss before bed if you have consumed alcoholic beverages.
Early morning. This is a time when many people wake up with a dry mouth. It is important to hydrate in the morning.
Hungry or thirsty. The dehydration that often accompanies hunger or thirst can be easily fixed. I am sure that you have noticed bad breath when waking or before meals. This is no coincidence.
Halitosis is often an easily correctable problem and it is important to find the cause to proper treat the symptoms. Your dentist can provide you with a thorough examination to assist in the detection of the etiology.
Visit our website at www.pvcompletedentistry.com. Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry is a general and cosmetic dentist located in Ponte Vedra Florida. PVCD features caring, trained and skilled doctors who will work hand-in-hand with you to create a treatment plan that protects and restores your teeth and bite to their ultimate health and beauty, and a staff ready to address your every need. If you would like to schedule an appointment feel free to contact Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry at (904)285-7711 or email us at info@pvcompletedentistry.com for a consultation.