BAD BREATH: CAUSES, SIGNS, AND TREATMENTS

Oral health is very important. Generally, keeping good hygiene can help prevent some oral issues. When we meet people for the first time, our speech and smile can create an impression. Bad breath can send bad impressions about a person. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about bad breath, the causes, and the signs you need to look out for. Fortunately, bad breath can be treated. All you need to do is go for bad breath treatment in Houston. You can speak to your dentist about specific steps that can be taken to prevent bad breath.

What is Bad breath?

Bad breath or “Halitosis” is a dental condition that can arise from inadequate or improper dental health care. Also, Halitosis can be a sign of an underlying health problem. It is an oral health issue that causes shame and fear to the affected person as it can trigger low self-esteem.

The good news is the fact that bad breath has a remedy. The major cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. The type of food and drink a person consumes might cause bad breath. Anyone can suffer from bad breath. However, an unhealthy lifestyle is not the only cause of bad breath. There are other reasons that we might not be able to figure out unless we visit the dentist for an oral checkup.

What causes bad breath?

There are various reasons for bad breath. Some might be warnings of underlying health conditions while some might be caused by our negligence to good dental care. However, if you have confirmed that you are indeed suffering from bad breath, you will need bad breath treatment near you.

Food: Eating is quite important but eating unhealthy food can cause damages to our oral health. The kind of things we consume that have strong odors like onions, fish, garlic, or alcohol can make the mouth have an unpleasant smell. This is because after we have eaten, the food is digested and then they are carried in the bloodstream that goes down to the lungs where they can affect the air we breathe out.

Dehydration or dry mouth: When the mouth is closed up for a long while, odors can build up. You should drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. Also, dieters who don’t eat well or often can have bad breath. Even though saliva cleans the mouth naturally and doesn’t allow the mouth to get dried up, the mouth might be dry cause of an oral infection called Xerostomia and this can be a cause of bad breath.

Drugs: Some medicines can produce a bad smell. Some drugs decrease saliva in the mouth and can cause bad odors after they have been broken down in a person’s system. Also, people who take supplements and vitamins in large quantities are not exempted.

Diseases: Bad breath can be caused by diseases such as Aspiration pneumonia. It is an infection that affects the lungs due to inhaling dangerous liquids.

Poor Oral Hygiene: If you fail to brush and floss your teeth daily, small particles of food that you’ve eaten can stay in the mouth. This can stimulate bacteria growth in the mouth. When this happens, inflammation of the gums can lead to Periodontitis (a serious gum disease caused by bacteria that has piled up in the teeth and gums.). Periodontitis can be a cause of bad breath. Other habits like smoking and taking alcohol can also affect a person’s breath. They can reduce appetite and infuriate the gums as well.

What are the signs of bad breath?

When you have bad breath, you might notice the way people move away when you try to speak to them. Though this doesn’t fully mean that you have bad breath until you have been diagnosed with bad breath by your dentist. Sometimes you might also be able to perceive this yourself. Still, you should ask close relatives to help check your breath or do a bad breath test by yourself. Simply lick your wrist and allow it to dry. If you perceive a bad smell after the saliva on your wrist is dried up, you might have bad breath or halitosis. You should visit the dentist for a checkup to know what could be causing the bad odor. You can also get Bad Breath Treatment in Houston, TX.

What are the remedies for bad breath?

Unless bad breath is caused by a gum infection or other health issues, there are some things you can do to get rid of bad breath.

• Antiseptic mouthwash
• Brush your teeth daily and maintain good oral hygiene
• Artificial Saliva (for those with dry mouth)
• Staying hydrated by drinking water regularly
• Chew mint-flavored gum

However, if the bad breath is caused by gum diseases, your dentist can either treat it or refer you to a periodontist.