Bad breath or Halitosis is mostly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) are released from the back of the tongue and throat. Halitosis is not infectious. About 2.4% of the adult population suffers from bad breath.

Apart from the sulphur-producing bacteria that colonise the back of the tongue, the other major causes of bad breath are:

• Dental factors – such as periodontitis (infection around the teeth) or poor oral hygiene
• Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition
• Smoking – which starves the mouth of oxygen.

Less common causes of bad breath include:

• Acid and bile reflux from the stomach
• Post-nasal discharge – for example, due to chronic sinusitis
• Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders, together account for only a very small percentage of halitosis suffers
• Foods – such as onions, garlic or cauliflower, which induce certain odours. However, these effects are only short-lived.

The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important. Some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting halitosis.

Gentle but effective tongue cleaning may also be required. A variety of tongue brushes and scrapers have been produced in recent years. The tongue should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner, from the back towards the front of the tongue, keeping in mind that the hardest to reach back portion smells the worst.

People with chronic sinusitis may find the regular use of a saline nasal spray helpful. A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help. Speak to your dentist, to identify the cause of your halitosis and to find the most effective treatment for you.

Maintain Your Dental Hygiene

Part of keeping your breath consistently fresh is maintaining a dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing, flossing, rinsing, and assessing your mouth.

What does assessing your mouth mean?

It means looking for warning signs of infection or disease. Notice if your gums are swollen and red. Are they bleeding?

Notice how your mouth feels . Is it constantly dry? You might notice your tongue turning a whitish color.

See Your Dentist Regularly

If you notice something strange happening in your mouth, see your dentist. You should also have regular cleanings at the dental office.

Most adults see their dentist once a year. This is for an annual cleaning and assessment of your mouth.

People with special circumstances or dental conditions might see them more.

Not only does seeing the dentist regularly help you maintain good breath, but it can protect you from illness. Your dentist can detect signs of gum disease, mouth cancer, and more.

If you really want to get rid of bad breath, use the tips listed above. Ensure you’re taking good care of your mouth and teeth. And that you’re drinking lots of water.

The most important tip after having a proper dental hygiene routine is seeing your dentist. Ensure you book regular appointments for cleanings and checkups.

A startling 1 out of every 2 Indian adults, age 30 and older has periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe infection and tooth loss. It’s also associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Gum disease is not an issue to ignore, yet the majority of those who have the disease either haven’t been diagnosed or are not actively seeking treatment.

During your regular dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease and also assess your future risk of developing gum disease. Knowing your risk level and how to watch for these signs yourself is also important. Ask your dentist what to watch for and what kind of preventive steps you can take to keep this dangerous disease at bay.

If you are showing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to get treatment. Thanks to technological advancements, gum disease treatments today are minimally invasive and stop the disease right in its tracks

Looking for a dentist in Gurgaon? Contact the experts at Ministry of Smile. Our team of dental health professionals will help you keep your mouth clean and breath fresh.

Give us a call at +919873171041 We’re here to listen to your questions and work together to get you on a path toward lifelong dental health.