A person may be bright, funny, talented, and have a sparkling personality, but a whiff of bad breath can undermine his or her social success! For many people, halitosis is a chronic problem which remains untreated because of the widely held belief that halitosis originates from poor oral hygiene. While this is true in many cases, there are many more causes of and treatments for halitosis.
A major cause of bad breath is periodontal gum disease which occurs when hydrogen sulphide and other compounds collect in the mouth and damage the gum tissue. Bacteria which collect in the area between the gum and the teeth create a malodorous film which can be removed. A thorough cleaning by a dentist can take care of this problem. Brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups are the best ways of preventing periodontal gum disease.
One of the most common causes of halitosis is post-nasal drip. Many people are not aware that they suffer from post-nasal drip, but report its symptoms such as blocked or cracking eardrums and occasional dizziness. Needing to clear one’s the throat regularly and feeling a lump in the back of the throat are also commonly reported symptoms. These lumps and blockages are the result of mucus deposits in the throat and in the nasal and sinus cavities. The protein-rich mucus is food for bacteria which enter the mouth through back of the tongue. Allergies and consumption of dairy products compound the problem by thickening the layer of mucus. Natural saline wash or plain salt water can reduce the mucus in the back of the throat and kill bacteria. Nasal sprays which flush out layers of mucus can also prevent halitosis.
Dry mouth is another leading cause of bad breath. Dry mouth occurs when acids collect in the mouth and block oxygen molecules. As a result, bacteria grow and cause bad breath. The amount of saliva is reduced as the acid and bacteria increase. Factors which aggravate dry mouth are dehydration, certain foods and medications. It is important to drink plenty of water, to avoid smoking, and to avoid consuming excessive alcohol and coffee. Tobacco, alcohol and coffee not only cause dehydration, but they are also odor producing. Mouthwashes containing ethanol may be contributing more to the problem than the cure, since ethanol tends to dry the mouth. Avoid certain foods that are classically odor producing such as garlic, onions and spices. An estimated 70% of all prescription and over-the-counter medications cause bad breath, so avoid taking them unnecessarily. Sugary foods and sweet drinks encourage the growth of bacteria, and diet soft drinks increase acid levels. Eat small, frequent meals, since long periods without food or drink aggravate bad breath symptoms. Fad diets which involve long periods without eating should be avoided. Diet plans which encourage an excessive amount of protein at the expense of other nutrients also provide food for bacteria, so eat a well-balanced diet. Stress is also a contributing factor to dry mouth.
In addition to brushing and flossing, it is a good idea to invest in a tongue scraper, since 80% of the germs which cause bad breath collect at the back of the tongue. Scrape the tongue back to front. If you wish, using a toothbrush for this purpose has some beneficial effect until you can invest in a tongue scraper. Mouthwashes should be used as tools for preventing bad breath, not as chemical “band-aids” to cover it up. Find a good quality mouth rinse which kills bacteria. Many of these contain ammonium, zinc, chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide and triclosan. The benefits of chlorhexidine and chlorine dioxide have been discussed often in recent years, but some experts question the safety of using such chemicals long-term and at excessively frequent intervals. Chlorhexidine is an especially powerful substance and should only be used temporarily, as in the case of bad breath caused by medication prescribed to treat a specific ailment.
If brushing, flossing, using mouthwashes and avoiding certain foods don’t cure halitosis, there are several other treatments available. For dry mouth, a salivary supplement can be taken to stimulate the production of saliva. Excessive bacteria can be treated through an unusual procedure which involves placing probiotic, “good” bacteria into the mouth. While the “good” bacteria grow and reproduce, the halitosis-causing bacteria decrease. A dentist should be consulted about these treatments.
Many health problems, including lung and gastrointestinal conditions, are also responsible for bad breath. A full check-up with a general practitioner is recommended if the source of halitosis cannot be identified.
