|
|
|
| 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. |
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 inartificial 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 inter dental
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.
|
|
