What is bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, occurs when the mouth emanates an unpleasant odor, often causing discomfort for the affected and those around them. Although it is not typically severe, it can indicate underlying health conditions that require attention.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bad breath has various causes, with some of the most common including:
- Poor oral hygiene: The most frequent cause of halitosis is the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth due to poor hygiene. Not brushing your teeth or using dental floss regularly allows food particles to decompose, producing unpleasant odors.
- Foods and drinks: garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol often leave a lingering odor in the mouth. These foods release volatile compounds that the body can absorb into the bloodstream and exhale through the lungs.
- Tobacco: Smoking not only causes bad breath but also contributes to gum disease, another source of halitosis. Tobacco products also dry out the mouth, worsening the problem.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva. This can be due to certain medications, salivary gland issues, or breathing through the mouth, which prevents the effective removal of particles causing bad odor.
- Periodontal disease: Gum infections sometimes cause persistent bad breath. Bacteria accumulate in pockets formed at the base of the teeth, releasing odorous compounds.
- Health problems: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver diseases, kidney diseases, or respiratory infections, can cause halitosis. Even some conditions in the digestive tract manifest through bad breath. In these cases, it is necessary to receive appropriate professional attention.
How to remove bad breath
Fortunately, there are several ways to control bad breath. Some measures you can take include:
- Improving oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use dental floss daily to remove food particles and plaque. Don’t forget to clean your tongue, where bacteria also accumulate. The best tool for this is a tongue scraper.
- Hydration: Drinking enough water helps keep the mouth moist and clean.
- Avoid certain foods and drinks: Limit the consumption of garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol. If you consume these foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
- Quitting smoking: Tobacco not only causes bad breath but also negatively affects your oral and general health.
- Regular dental visits: Attending regular dental cleanings is essential. Dentists and dental hygienists can detect and treat oral problems you may not have noticed, such as cavities or periodontal disease. Additionally, professional cleanings remove accumulated plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot, so we recommend having them periodically.
August 6: National Fresh Breath Day
This celebration invites us to take care of our oral health and hygiene. In addition to the recommendations given above, if you want your breath to be more pleasant, you can chew mint leaves or use sugar-free gum.
Bad breath can be bothersome, but it is usually easy to manage with good oral hygiene habits and lifestyle changes. If you experience persistent bad breath, you can schedule a visit with us to help identify its cause and resolve it. Keeping a clean mouth improves your breath and is essential for your self-confidence and overall health. Take care of your smile, and exhale with confidence!