Bad breath also known as halitosis has an unpleasant odor. This odor can strike from time to time, or it can be long-lasting, depending on the cause. Bad breath may indicate a dental problem and requires immediate attention. Have you ever wondered what is the cause for it and how can we prevent it? In this topic we will discuss in brief as to what causes bad breath and what steps can be taken to avoid it. What causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath is mainly caused by the following factors:
Poor dental hygiene - Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing allows bits of food to decay inside the mouth, which results in bad breath.
Mouth Infections – Such as Periodontal (gum) disease
Respiratory tract infections – Caused by throat, sinus or lung infections
External agents - Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.
Dry mouth (xerostomia) - Caused by salivary gland problems, medicines and by mouth breathing
Systemic illnesses - Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others.
Psychiatric illness - Few believes that they have bad breath, however it can’t be felt my others. This is referred to as "pseudohalitosis."
Tips and Techniques for Eliminating Bad Breath
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing are the powerful elements which will help to attack bad breath. Bad breath is caused by bacteria which live on our teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria and the food they feast on, so that they can no longer create volatile sulfur compounds which cause bad breath.
Clean Your Tongue
The odor causing bacteria hide deep within the crevices of the tongue. Cleaning your tongue with a tongue cleaner can remove this layer and much of the bacteria which reside on your tongue.
Drink Plenty of Water
A dry mouth represents the ideal home for odor causing bacteria which flourish in this type of environment. By drinking water we stimulate saliva flow, which will wash away left-over food particles and moisten the mouth making it less hospitable to odor causing bacteria.
Use Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide are the latest advance against bad breath. In these mouthwashes the chlorine dioxide directly attacks the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.
Chew Sugarless Gum
If you can't brush after a meal or snack consider chewing sugarless gum. This chewing action helps cleanse the teeth and stimulates the flow of saliva. Saliva in turn further helps to cleanse the mouth and dissolves odorous volatile sulfur compounds.
Make an appointment with your dentist
Sometimes bad breath could be a sign of medical condition needs attention right away. If bad breath problem persists even after a period of following all of the tips and suggestions we discussed in this topic, it is advisable that you schedule an examination and cleaning appointment with a Houston dentist, who will provide the right treatment to cure bad breath. Zachary Downs writes for a Houston dentist that specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry where it provides Houston Dental services in the greater Houston area.. Visit Causes for Bad Breath and Tips to Avoid It.
