What can I do about bad breath?
Whether you call it bad
breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for
embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a
problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or
she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition,
develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic
and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is
absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it
is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor
temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters
may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the
mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that
collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot,
leaving an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs
when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the
mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused
by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously
breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist
may prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and
increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist
for tips on kicking the habit.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local
infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip,
chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or
kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy,
you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine
the cause of bad breath.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath.
Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup.
If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you
eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a
role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any
surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and
plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental
cleaner to clean between teeth.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect
on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide
unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in
controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special
antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with
brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.