Everybody faces this problem of bad breath at some time in their lives. But there are quite a lot of people for whom it becomes a daily problem. More than 50% Indians suffer from some form of bad breath related issue. Halitosis (It is a Latin word for ‘bad breath’) generally occurs after meals that have pungent constituents like garlic, onion etc which contribute to bad breath or when you wake up in the morning. Some other reasons why you may suffer from temporary halitosis can be drinks like Coffee and Alcohol and also tobacco smoking and they can also cause teeth to smell bad and emit a foul odour.
Most people are unaware that they have a bad breath problem. In fact most people are in denial. But bad breath can cause big problems in personal relationships and hence your quality of life.
Do you know the causes of bad breath? And, that you can solve the problem with simple solutions?
The origin of bad breath can be inside or outside your mouth. Generally bad breath or a foul smell or odour is caused due to the presence of bacteria on the surface of your teeth and tongue. The tongue should be kept clean by using a tongue-scraper. Hence, it can be assumed very clearly that the primary cause of bad breath are issues like bad oral hygiene habits, unclean or unhygienic gums or dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which the glands in you mouth that generate saliva cannot secrete enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Your dentist is your best friend atleast as far as the problem of bad breath is concerned. The dentist will do a complete dental check-up and will diagnose the cause of the bad breath and will help you solve the same successfully.
While most of the bad breath issues are due to bad oral hygiene and problems with your teeth, sometimes the cause could be Tonsils, infections with the respiratory system like sinus or bronchitis and in some cases even gastrointestinal problems. So sometimes there are general medical problems that can also contribute to bad breath.
Liver and Kidney diseases may also in severe cases cause bad breath or foul odour. Bad breath is also sometimes associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Hence, if there are symptoms or signs that you think you are able to see of experience in your body along with bad breath, it may be advisable to visit a general medical doctor or practitioner.
Some times people suffer from what is called “psedo-halitosis”. This is a condition when you feel you have bad breath even when you are absolutely fine and your breath smells normal. Some people called Halitophobia or the fear of bad breath. In such a case, you should consult a dentist and get reassurance so that you can be stress free.
The best way to avoid bad breath is to visit a dentist every six months for Dental Checkup. The dentist will examine every corner of your mouth and will be able to identify and diagnose any problems with your teeth or mouth. It is also necessary to get a professional dental cleaning and scaling every 6 months to ensure that all the residual plaque and tartar which your brush and floss could not clean is removed.
You should also brush atleast 2 times a day and floss regularly (if possible after every meal).
Ideas for improving your oral hygiene and avoiding bad breath
The following are some of the ideas or suggestions which can help in avoiding bad breath and maintain oral hygiene:
Brush your teeth twice a day and if possible, after meals using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush.
Stop smoking or chewing tobacco or any similar habit.
Use a mouthwash to keep your breath fresh.
Use a tongue scraper to remove debris from your tongue every day.
Drink a lot water and keep your mouth hydrated.
Avoid beverages like aerated drinks and alcohol.
Visit a dentist for a dental checkup every 6 months for a dental consultation and oral check-up and also get a scaling and cleaning every 6 months.