Dr KellyIF you occasionally have bad breath, also known as Halitosis, you’re not alone.
Next to dental cavity and gum disease, halitosis is the third most common reason people seek dental care. Studies have shown that 50 per cent of adults have had bad breath at some point in their lives and the underlying cause originates from the mouth.
Take a minute and think of the worst smell you know, like dustbin, faeces or rotten meat. What do they all have in common? Active microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Now here’s why bad breath happens:
Bacteria live in a moist-rich environment of the mouth because it has advantages to the human body like aiding digestion and preventing pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) from growing. It does this by competing for attachment sites to essential nutrients. But then to survive, bacteria must feed and they feed on mucus, food remains and dead tissue by breaking them into smaller digestible compounds like amino acids and sulphate which can be foul-smelling and then change the odour of the mouth.
The good news is…
Bad breath can easily be treated. Gram-negative bacteria are the worst smelling bacteria and it stays in the spaces between the gum and the teeth and on the back of the tongue.
How to get rid of bad breath
1. Flossing:
Floss once a day. Dislodging food plaques stuck in between your teeth reduces the amount of bacterial plaque in the mouth.
Although many people brush their teeth daily, not everyone flosses their teeth as regularly as they brush. Don’t be that person.
2. Brushing with antimicrobial toothpaste:
Brush twice a day with antimicrobial fluoride-containing toothpaste. The teeth are covered with a sticky film known as biofilm, which contains bacteria that release acids that weaken the teeth, increasing your risk for cavities. Also, stannous fluoride helps to kill bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.
3. Back of tongue Scrapping:
Scrape tongue once a day. Researchers found that tongue scrapers removed 30 per cent more volatile sulfur compounds on the tongue than a soft-bristled toothbrush. So, cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper after brushing is more effective.
4. Antibacterial mouth wash:
Mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing your teeth or flossing in terms of oral hygiene, and it’s only effective when used correctly. For best results, teeth should be freshly cleaned before using mouthwash and it can be used in a pinch to freshen breath.
5. Diet:
Foods rich in vitamin C (fruits & vegetables), such as red bell pepper and broccoli, create an inhospitable environment for mouth bacteria. They work even better to fight bad breath when eaten raw, also drinking lots of water helps a lot.
Bad breath can persist even with good dental hygiene and those cases are Fasting(dry mouth), Chronic conditions like Dental cavity, Diabetes, Liver disease, Nasal conditions(sinus infections) and also habits like Alcoholism and Smoking.
How do I smell my breath?
Some say you can lick your wrist and smell it, some say cover your mouth with your hand breath out and smell it. But all of these can’t give an accurate smell.
The best way to assess your breath is to breathe out deeply and ask for your friend’s opinion.
When to see a doctor
Most bad breath originates in the mouth and can be treated with improved dental hygiene. But If your bad breath isn’t improving with home treatment, consult your doctor or dentist for further investigation.
Thank you for Reading
Dr Kelly
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