How to Banish Bad Breath for Good by guest author Bad breath, or halitosis, is something that most people will suffer from occasionally. It is frequently caused by eating foods such as onions and garlic, the flavors of which are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled with the breath. Bad breath can be annoying and very embarrassing, but usually passes in a short while. Bad breath caused by oral hygiene habits lasts longer, and can be a sign of other troubles. Common Causes of Halitosis Failure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily will allow tiny food particles to become trapped between your teeth and gums, as well as on the tongue. These tiny particles will release an unpleasant odor as they break down and decay. Bacteria that live on the back of the tongue and in the throat break proteins down into volatile sulphur compounds, whose strong odor is carried on the breath. Cigarette smoke turns the mouth into the kind of oxygen-free environment in which these bacteria thrive. Halitosis may also result when proteins in the body are broken down during hunger or fasting. Bad breath can be caused by periodontal disease, or gum disease. Bacteria form a film of plaque when they build up in the mouth and this plaque will harden into a substance called tartar if not regularly removed through brushing and flossing. Toxins in these bacteria cause the gum irritation known as gingivitis. Periodontitis, pockets of plaque that form between the teeth and gums, makes both gingivitis and halitosis worse. Badly fitting dental appliances can trap food and lead to infections. Halitosis may also be caused by tooth decay. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common cause of bad breath. This is a condition in which insufficient saliva is produced to keep the mouth clean and comfortable. Saliva plays an important role in dental health, as it helps to neutralise acids within the oral cavity and wash away excess food particles. Saliva also helps wash away dead skin cells that would otherwise decompose in the mouth and cause halitosis. Dry mouth can be caused by mouth breathing, by certain medications, or by damage to the salivary glands due to injury, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. It can also be a symptom of pre-diabetes. A number of medical conditions can cause halitosis, especially sinus infections and respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Preventing Bad Breath Good oral hygiene is important to ensure that your teeth and gums are free of plaque bacteria and food debris. Brush your teeth, gums and tongue twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Regular dental checkups and professional tooth cleaning will ensure that any signs of disease and dental decay are quickly found and treated. Mouthwashes and breath mints may be used to mask a temporary condition of bad breath, but they do nothing to cure a case of halitosis that is caused by a chronic condition. Antibiotics such as metronidazole and some antiseptic mouth rinses can kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Saline nasal sprays may be helpful to combat chronic sinusitis. The dentist should be your first stop in seeking treatment for bad breath. If the dentist finds that the problem is not connected to oral health, they can refer you to a specialist. Your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative to a medication that is causing bad breath, but always seek professional advice before discontinuing medications. Saliva substitutes are available for sufferers of dry mouth. Dentists may prescribe these, or they may be purchased from chemists. Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Sugar-free sweets or gum can help stimulate your salivary glands. Author Bio Natalia is a dental professional with years of experience helping patients with teeth whitening advice. Get more dental advice from teethwhiteningreviewed.co.uk today.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:51:02 +0000