What Causes Bad Breath?

By Shehzad

What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.

One of the warning signs of gum disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.

Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.

Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce one's ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

Eliminating gum disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. A fluoride mouthrinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.

Summary of actions that can help to combat bad breath:

• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Have your teeth cleaned periodically at the dental practice.
• Always remember to floss. Choosing unscented floss enables you to detect areas between your teeth that give off odors so you can clean them more carefully.
• Brush your teeth and gums properly. Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush or scraper for your tongue.
• Clean your tongue all the way back gently, but thoroughly.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.
• Clean your mouth after eating or drinking milk products, fish and meat.
• Get control over the problem. Ask a family member to tell you whenever you have bad breath. If someone in your family or a close friend has bad breath, find a kind way to let them know.
• Ask the dentist to recommend a mouthwash which has been shown to be clinically effective in fighting bad breath.
• Professional diagnosis and treatment can be of benefit in analyzing your particular cause of bad breath and help with a possible solution.

Alternatively, you can purchase the Pola White home whitening kit from us. Home Whitening, after consultation with the dentist, can be carried out by yourself at home. This will take approximately two weeks with specially made trays that are worn overnight.

In the past you've had to make a lot of sacrifice to recover your teeth's natural shade. The treatment took no fewer than 2 to 4 weeks with an annoying dam you had to keep in your mouth every night. A lot of people also complained about painful irritation of their gums.

Fortunately now at DCAE, we are now offering whiter teeth for you in just 40 mins using Enlighten whitening system and the state of the art plasma light.