Halitosis is a medical term for bad breath, and if you’ve ever had it, you shouldn’t feel bad about it. About 1 in 5 people in the general population suffer from it. And while it seems like there is no way out, the reality is different. Having bad breath can hint at specific health problems. Meanwhile, it can also become a huge turn off for people who come in contact with you. According to research, about 37 per cent of people think that having bad breath can be a major downer.
Evaluating your breath can be difficult. However, asking a close friend or family can help you evaluate if there is an odour issue. You can check again and again after changing your dietary habits and oral hygiene routine to eliminate the cause of bad breath.
And if you think that brushing twice a day can get rid of it, sorry to break it to you, it cannot.
While bad breath can occur for various reasons, here are some of the most common factors that can result in foul odour from the mouth.
Improper brushing can lead to plaque accumulation, a brewing ground for bacteria. Improper brushing can result in the formation of bacteria. The bacteria can feed on debris present in the gums and teeth and release a foul odour.
About 80-90% of cases of foul odour are due to bacterial growth on the tongue. Poor oral hygiene can leave behind bacteria which can produce foul-smelling waste causing bad breath.
An open wound or abscess in the case of infection is an easy target for bacteria buildup. Oral infections can occur due to caries, a wisdom tooth removal, or a systemic condition. Treating the issue at hand can help prevent bad breath.
If you have allergies, you are at an increased risk of developing bad breath. Allergies are a leading cause of halitosis due to dry airways. Make sure to keep your sinuses and airway moist and take proper care to keep the allergies away.
People suffering from acid reflux or heartburn can suffer from bad breath due to decay of food which fails to clear out of the stomach.
Medications can cause bad breath contributing to a dry mouth. In some instances, the medication is turned into chemicals and later released into the breath.
Eliminate the underlying cause and get it treated.
Ensure optimum oral hygiene measures with brushing and flossing twice a day.
Add a mouth wash to your routine. Mix it with half part water to prevent a burning sensation.
Make sure to clean your tongue regularly to get rid of odour-causing bacteria.
Chew mint, refrain from chewing gum as it contains sugars that can promote bacteria.
The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at Ridaqamar100@gmail.com
Dental News (DN) is the largest source of all dental news in the country and is one of the oldest & most extensively read independent dental periodicals in Pakistan. Dental News (DN) is part of the Medical News Group (MNG) of publications which was established in 1968. MNG is a pioneer of medical journalism in Pakistan.
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