Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a problem that can cause embarrassment and even anxiety for people. Although many products on the market, such as chewing gum, mouthwash, and candy, are produced for individuals with this problem, most of these products are only a temporary solution. If bad breath is not caused by foods or poor oral hygiene, there may be a different medical reason behind this problem.
Bad Breath ( halitosis )
Halitosis is a malodorous complaint released during breathing. While some people worry a lot about this issue, even if they have less bad breath, others may not be aware of their own bad breath. It is very difficult to evaluate how one’s own breath smells. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to oral care, take precautions and find the underlying cause.
Causes of Bad Breath?
Dry mouth: The saliva that we secrete helps us to clean our mouth by cleaning the particles that cause bad odor. In dry mouth, which is called xerostomia in medical language, bad breath may increase as saliva production decreases. Dry mouth occurs naturally during sleep, and can cause bad breath, which is normally observed in humans in the morning. This situation, which occurs during sleep at night, worsens and is more noticeable in those who sleep with their mouths open. Chronic dry mouth can be caused by certain diseases or problems with the salivary glands.
Infections in the mouth: Wounds and infected conditions in the mouth after oral and maxillofacial surgery such as tooth extraction can cause bad odor. In addition, tooth decay and gum diseases also cause bad odors.
Nose and throat diseases: Sinus infections, post-nasal drip and throat infections cause bad breath.
Foods: The breakdown of food particles that accumulate between or around the teeth after eating can increase bacteria and cause bad odour. Consumption of certain foods such as onions, garlic and spices are also among the major factors that cause bad breath.
Tobacco products: Smoking causes bad breath. Smokers and users of other tobacco products are more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath, than non-smokers.
Inadequate dental care: In people who do not regularly care for their teeth in the morning and evening, and then do not use dental floss, food particles stay in the mouth and cause bad breath. In such cases, a colorless and sticky bacterial plaque forms on the teeth. If bacterial plaque is not removed, it can irritate the gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between the teeth and gums (periodontitis). The tongue can also harbor odor-producing bacteria. Dentures that are not regularly cleaned or fitted properly can trap odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
How to Remove Bad Breath in 5 Steps?
