- Home
- Our Services
- Information
- FAQ's
- Dental Emergencies
- Make An Appointment
- About Us
- Contact Us |
|
|
What
Is Halitosis?
More than 90 million people
suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. In most cases it originates
from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by bacteria from the decay
of food particles, other debris in your mouth, and poor oral hygiene.
The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant
odor.
What causes bad breath and what can be done about it?
Bad breath is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, but can also can
be caused by retained food particles or gum disease. Proper brushing
including brushing the tongue, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth
will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated
bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth. Mouth
rinses are effective in temporary relief of bad breath. Consult your
dentist and/or physician if the condition persists.
Does bad breath come from other sources than the mouth?
Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, gum
disease, diabetes, kidney failure, or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia
(dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients
who undergo radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress,
dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your
breath. An odor that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate
post-nasal drip. This is where the mucus secretion, which comes from
the nose and moves down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes
an odor. Bad breath originating in the stomach, however, is considered
to be extremely rare.
Why is saliva so important in the fight against bad breath?
Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep the odor under
control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary
cause of bad breath. When you sleep, however, salivary glands slow down
the production of saliva allowing the bacteria to grow inside the mouth.
To alleviate "morning
mouth," brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning mouth also is associated
with hunger or fasting. Those who skip breakfast, beware because the odor may
reappear even if you've brushed your teeth.
Do certain foods cause bad breath?
Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee may be detected
on a person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions, for
example, are absorbed by the stomach and the odor is then excreted through
the lungs. Studies even have shown that garlic rubbed on the soles of
the feet can show up on the breath.
How do I control bad breath?
It is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing
your teeth at least twice a day. To alleviate the odor, clean your tongue
with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes
away bacteria that builds on the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum also
may help control the odor. If you have dentures or a removable appliance,
such as a retainer or mouthguard, clean the appliance thoroughly before
placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouth rinses, deodorizing
sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist because these products only
mask the odor temporarily, and some products work better than others.
What is my dentist's role?
Visit your dentist regularly because checkups will help detect any physical problems.
Checkups also help get rid of the plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth.
If you think that you suffer from bad breath, your dentist can help determine
its source. He or she may ask you to schedule a separate appointment to find
the source of the odor. Or, if your dentist believes that the problem is caused
from a systemic source (internal), such as an infection, he or she may refer
you to your family physician or a specialist to help remedy the cause of the
problem.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization
of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in
the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary
care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis,
treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's
oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information
on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer.
CONTACT:
Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org
or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or
media@agd.org.
NOTE:
Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed
journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases
do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.
|
