20/12/2025
BAD BREATH
Bad breath is a common problem that can cause significant psychological distress. There are a number of potential causes and treatments available. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath on a regular basis.
Causes
1. Smoking: To***co products increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath.
2. Food: Some foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath.
3. Dry mouth: If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, it can cause odors to build up thereby causing bad breath.
4. Poor dental hygiene: A film of bacteria called plaque builds up if brushing is not regular. This plaque can irritate the gums and cause inflammation between the teeth and gums called periodontitis which causes bad breath.
5. Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce bad breath due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma.
6. Drugs: Some medications can reduce saliva and therefore dry the mouth and increase chances of bad breath. Example of drugs that causes bad breath include nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals, tranquilizers, such as phenothiazines and vitamin supplements when taken in large doses.
7. Diseases of the mouth, nose, and throat. Bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat and infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause bad breath.
8. Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused by a foreign body lodged in nasal cavity, especially in children.
9. Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause bad breath due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce.
10. Stomach reflux disease can also cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids.
Management of Bad breath
1. Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as improved dental hygiene and quitting smoking, can often help. If bad breath persists, however, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes.
2. The best method to reduce bad breath is good oral hygiene. This ensures that cavities in the teeth are avoided and reduces the likelihood of gum disease. The dentist may recommend a toothpaste that includes an antibacterial agent or an antibacterial mouthwash. Alternatively, if gum disease is present, professional cleaning may be necessary to clear out the build-up of bacteria in pockets between the gums and teeth.
3. Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal. Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth.
4. Change the tooth brush at least every 2 to 3 months.
5. Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful.
6. Avoid a dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and to***co, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
6. Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue.
