07 Oct 2016 What You Should Know About Bad Breath
Halitosis or bad breath is a condition that anyone can develop. While popping a breath mint may be all it takes to control the problem for the moment, it pays to understand what causes this issue and what can be done to make things better. Here are some facts about bad breath that everyone needs to know.
The Basic Definition
Foul breath is defined as an unpleasant odor that emanates from the mouth. Some people find that they only develop this condition under certain circumstances. Others live with it day in and day out. The degree of the issue can range from minor to significant.
Along with the unpleasant scent, it’s not unusual for dry mouth to develop. There may also be a thin coating on the tongue that traps particles and makes the breath even worse.
What are Some of the Causes?
One of the most common causes of foul smelling breath is poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush the teeth after meals and use mouthwash on a regular basis leads to a buildup of plaque in the mouth.
That plaque is the source of the unpleasant odor. It’s created by the residue from food particles that are still found in the mouth. For example, if you consume something with onions or garlic, the residue that remains after the meal will have a serious impact on the smell of your breath.
Food is not the only product that can lead to the development of less than pleasant breath. People who use tobacco products and are less than diligent with dental hygiene will have the scent of stale smoke on their breaths.
Along with temporary bad breath created by personal habits, there are health conditions that can trigger the condition. Dental issues like decaying teeth are just one example. Others include gum disease and the bacteria that is produced as a result of the condition. Various forms of cancer, including cancer of the tongue or anywhere in the mouth, will lead to less than appealing breath. Liver disease, diabetes, and problems with the kidneys could also be a factor. If you still have stale or unpleasant breath after thorough brushing and using mouthwash, it makes sense to talk with a doctor and have a few tests rant.
Finding the Right Cure for Bad Breath
Depending on what is happening, the cure for bad breath may be simple and swift. Choosing to change your dietary and other personal habits may be enough to cause the problem to go away. When the origin is connected with hygiene, remembering to brush after every meal and keeping breath mints or some type of breath spray on hand will take care of the problem.
If there is an underlying health issue causing the halitosis, the only practical solution is to seek medical help for that issue. Consulting with an oral surgeon to remedy the gum disease will protect your general health as well as improve the scent of your breath.
Should you have a chronic condition like diabetes, managing your blood glucose levels more effectively will produce improvements. Even if the cause is a disease like cancer, taking steps to remove the tumor and undergo treatments to prevent new ones from developing will improve your health and your breath.
Whatever the origin, there is something that can be done. Talk with your dentist and see a doctor if necessary. Should your breath be an indication of a developing condition or disease, now is the time to take action and protect your health.