Bad breath or Halitosis is caused by your body bacteria which break down proteins in your mouth to facilitate metabolism, which causes the unpleasant smell.
Over 80% of the bad breath are caused by bacteria in the mouth producing volatile sulphur containing compounds which give the characteristic odour that we are all familiar with.These bacteria reside on the tongue and in the gum crevices around the teeth. Not only do these VSCs cause bad breath but they also promote the advancement of the gum disease.
Everybody knows what "bad breath" is and what it smells like. Funny thing about breath is that it is always more noticeable in other people - never yourself. We get clues from people close by that maybe our breath is not all that fresh.
What are the Bad Breath (or halitosis) Causes?
- Infection of the gums (Periodontal disease).
- Decayed teeth.
- A condition called 'Dry mouth' affecting the flow of saliva.
- Consumption of alcohol, acidic drinks, caffeine containing drinks.
- Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth and irritate tissues.
- Inferior dentures, unclean dentures; faulty dental work.
How Bad Breath can be Treated?
- Consult with Dentist who will assess your situation and take you through potential causes and solutions for this unfortunate and embarrassing condition.
- Make a list of over-the-counter and prescribed medications that you take and bring it to your next dental check up, it may help you identify the cause and if it's due to an some medicine usage or medical history.
- Maintaining great oral hygiene, brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent.
- Drinking plenty of water & Eating a well-balanced diet.
- Cease smoking and limit alcohol intake, acidic drinks, caffeine containg drinks.
- Replace cracked fillings, silver fillings, repair chipped or cracked teeth.