Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It's no wonder that store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to fight bad breath. It is also associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder
Concerns of bad breath may be divided into genuine and non-genuine cases. Of those who have genuine bad breath, about 85% of cases come from inside the mouth. The remaining cases are believed to be due to disorders in the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, esophagus, or stomach. Rarely, bad breath can be due to an underlying medical condition such as liver failure or ketoacidosis. Non-genuine cases occur when someone feels they have bad breath but someone else cannot detect it.
Key Facts
80-90% of bad breath starts in the mouth.
If you have bad breath, start by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly.
Ask your dentist or someone close to you if they’ve noticed that you have bad breath.
About 15-30% of people experience daytime bad breath or halitosis.
The good news is there are ways to help prevent it.
What is bad breath?
Bad breath is a “a noticeable and unpleasant odor in the breath.
It can be embarrassing, and often hard to recognize because it’s very hard to smell your own breath.
What causes bad breath?
Most of the time bad breath is caused when food collects and then gets trapped between the teeth and the tongue. The food that’s stuck breaks down and releases bacteria. The bacteria then release a sulfur gas, which smells bad. Bad breath can also be caused by bacteria trapped in the sinus passages of the nose when a person has a sinus infection.
Other causes of bad breath may include:
Smoking
Eating certain food such as garlic
Dry mouth (when the saliva flow decreases) which can be caused by certain medications, or breathing with your mouth open
Nasal (nose) infections or problems affecting nasal airflow or mucus production
“Tonsoliths”-small stones attached to the tongue and made by the tonsils can cause a bad smell when a person with them coughs
Gum disease (sometimes called gingivitis)
Other health problems (rarely)
When do most people have bad breath?
It’s normal to have bad breath after you wake up. This is because there’s very little saliva (or spit) flowing through your mouth while you’re sleeping, which is when bacteria are most active. Your breath should improve after you brush your teeth and tongue and floss your teeth.
How can I tell if I have bad breath?
It’s hard to check your own breath. Even breathing into your hand and trying to smell your breath doesn’t work. Your best bet is to ask someone you’re close to. Ask them if they’ve noticed that you have bad breath. If they say yes, ask them if it’s when you eat certain foods or whether it’s all the time. Then try the tips below and check back with the person to see if it’s made a difference.
Ways to help prevent and/or treat bad breath:
Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day; after breakfast and before bed or (after every meal if you can).
Floss every day. Flossing gets food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Brush your tongue (with a plastic tongue cleaner) especially the back of your tongue- where the bacteria that cause bad breath live.
Gargle with mouthwash at bedtime. Although mouthwash is a temporary solution, it can be helpful.
Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking causes bad breath and may lead to gum disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco also puts you at risk for getting oral cancer.
Chew sugarless gum if you can’t brush right after a meal. This can help to clear away food particles left behind after eating.
Drink less coffee.
Eat foods high in fiber such as whole grains, raw fruits, and veggies.
Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated will help too.
Should I see a health care provider to treat my bad breath?
If you’ve tried many different ways to manage your bad breath and didn’t have good results, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your primary care provider or dentist.
REFERENCE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_breath
http://youngwomenshealth.org/health-guides-index/
Bad breath, or halitosis, happens to everyone Rihanna Biker Jacket at times. Halitosis is caused by a wide range of factors, including dry mouth; foods high in protein, sugar, or acid; and smoking. It is also a symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis (gum/periodontal disease)! Illness and tooth decay can also be a factor in bad breath. You can prevent bad breath by developing good oral health habits and making changes in your diet and lifestyle.