What are the causes of bad breath and how can I combat bad breath? In this article we provide information on the various causes and treatments related to halitosis.
Bad breath: it’s not a desirable thing to talk about, but someone has to do it. Bad breath or halitosis is a condition characterized by consistent bad breath odor, and is unfortunately not all that uncommon. According to the dentist in Pueblo Colorado, oral problems are not the only cause of bad breath. Many conditions, including postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, uncontrolled diabetes, respiratory tract infection, liver or kidney disease and digestive disorders, such as acid reflux, can cause bad breath. Having said this, in the majority of cases, it is simply bad oral hygiene and oral afflictions that can be the root of a bad breath situation.
In this article, we will be focusing on the cause of bad breath, and find out what can be done to remedy this condition.
What Causes the Odor?
It all stems from bacteria. Bacteria produce stinky sulfurous compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide. Food particles and dead cells in the mouth collect bacteria and these bacteria thrive in environments created within the mouth that lack oxygen, such as deep gum pockets and the back of the tongue.
Foul smelling breath undermines our confidence in social situations. It has often been suggested that there is simply no cure for bad breath, which is of course and thankfully entirely wrong. The Pueblo dentist assures us that the causes of bad breath are all treatable and that the condition itself is, in most cases, preventable!
So, What Can Be Done?
When dealing with any kind of oral health/hygiene issues it is always recommended that you visit your local dentist, especially if it’s been more than a year since your last visit. The cause of your bad breath may be linked to a persistent oral bacterial infection, such as gingivitis or even periodontal disease. Only a qualified dentist can help eliminate such an infection, but it may not be too late for you to turn your health around! Here are a few tips that you can try at home to combat that unwelcome friend known as halitosis.
Brushing, flossing and rinsing should always be an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine, but there are far more useful tips that you should consider adding to your day-today routine, which can help leave your breath confidently pleasant!
Top Tips for Busting Bad Breath
*Tea: Research suggests that compounds in both green and black tea can stop the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath! Just avoid the sugar.
*Diet: Snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots can help remove food, bacteria and plaque that cause bad breath from your teeth.
*Zinc: Try a mouthwash containing zinc ions. Zinc appears to neutralize malodorous sulfur compounds and improve breath.
*Scrape: Using a tongue scraper helps remove dead cells, food particles and bacteria from the surface of the tongue. Tongue scraping is recommended as a daily regimen along with brushing, flossing and rinsing!
*Herbs: chewing on fresh herbs such as rosemary, spearmint, parsley or tarragon for up to a minute can help combat bad breath. This, however, is only a temporary measure and won’t get to the root of the cause.
*Fluids: Keeping your mouth hydrated by drinking lots of water. Cut out sugar and acid-rich beverages.
*Avoid alcohol: Alcohol causes dehydration, which leads to dry mouth. Bacteria thrive more freely in a dry mouth, since saliva is your body’s natural defense against these microorganisms. Also be sure to check that your mouthwash is alcohol-free.
A Final Note
As we have mentioned, there are many reasons and causes for bad breath and there are also many ways in which you can try to remedy the situation at home. However, bear in mind that our bodies have incredible ways of letting us know when there is something in our daily activities that need attention or change. It is always a good idea to seek professional help from a dentist in Pueblo Colorado in these situations.